The spelling of the word "Goths" is straightforward. The first consonant is a voiceless velar fricative /ɡ/. The second consonant is a voiceless dental fricative /θ/. The final consonant is a voiceless dental fricative /s/. The "o" is pronounced as a short vowel, which is represented by the phonetic symbol /ɑ/. The "th" is pronounced differently from the soft "th" in "think" and "this." It is pronounced as a hard sound, similar to the "th" in "thick" and "bathe."
Goths, derived from the Germanic term "Gutans," originally referred to an ancient Germanic people that played a significant role in the fall of the Western Roman Empire. They emerged as a distinct group in the early 3rd century, and are often associated with a migration and settlement within the Roman Empire's territories. Despite their historical roots, the term "Goths" has evolved over time and acquired different connotations.
In modern usage, Goths primarily refer to individuals who identify with and adhere to a subculture characterized by dark, melancholic fashion choices, music preferences, and a distinct aesthetic. This subculture emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, closely associated with post-punk and alternative rock music. Goths typically embrace a darker, more mournful aesthetic expressed through black clothing, elaborate hairstyles, pale makeup, and sometimes gothic literature.
Goths often foster an appreciation for the macabre, supernatural, and artistic expression. Their interests may include gothic architecture, horror literature, and films, as well as a fascination with death and the occult. Gothic fashion and subculture further extend to a sense of individuality, non-conformity, and rejection of mainstream norms.
It is essential to recognize that the term "Goths" encompasses a diverse group of individuals with varying interests and interpretations of the subculture. While some may align more closely with the traditional gothic subculture, others may associate more with specific contemporary interpretations within the subculture, such as cybergoths or emo. The definition of a Goth can vary across time, geographical location, and individual preferences.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "Goths" is believed to originate from the Proto-Germanic word *Gutaniz, which means "Goth". It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *ghut-, meaning "to pour" or "to flow". This etymology suggests a connection to the Getae, an ancient Thracian people, whose name is thought to have similar origins. The Goths were an East Germanic people who played a significant role in the late Western Roman Empire.