Goth etymology

Etymology:

The term "goth" is derived from the Germanic tribe known as the Goths.

  • Proto-Germanic: gutans
  • Old English: gōtas
  • Old High German: gotun

Meaning:

  • Original Meaning (Germanic tribe): A member of the East Germanic tribes that migrated from Scandinavia and settled in Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean.
  • Modern Meaning: A member of a subculture characterized by:
    • Dark clothing, often in black
    • Preference for dark and macabre themes
    • Interest in gothic literature, music, and art

Origin:

The Goths were a diverse group of Germanic tribes that emerged in the 3rd century AD. They originated from the area of present-day Sweden and migrated southward. They established kingdoms in various parts of Europe, including:

  • Visigoths (Western Goths): Settled in Spain and Portugal
  • Ostrogoths (Eastern Goths): Settled in Italy
  • Crimean Goths: Settled in the Crimean Peninsula

Over time, the term "goth" lost its original tribal association and began to be used to describe a group of people with similar aesthetic and cultural interests. This subculture emerged in the late 1970s in the United Kingdom as a fusion of punk rock and dark romanticism.

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