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Borrowing some of the elements of the angry punk era which it succeeded in the early 80's, goth was a more passive rejection of the mainstream — typified by a "look" that combined dark clothing, black eyeliner, and white makeup to match the stark and ethereal quality of its music.

The term in its modern form was believed to have arisen from several music reviewers and critics who at the time described the dark punk subculture as "gothic", later shortened to goth to describe its adherents.

Early UK influences include such bands as Joy Division, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Cure, The Sisters of Mercy and The Mission, although Bauhaus is generally considered to be one of the first truly goth bands when they first came upon the scene in 1981.

Goth soon became an international phenomemon and moved to the U.S., Australia and throughout Europe, with Germany claiming the unofficial title of world capital of goth (or in German, grufties - "tomb creatures".)

Today, goth remains a thriving subculture in major cities around the world with a variety of musical styles, spiritual beliefs and a deep interest in dark literature, art, poetry and, of course, fashion.

Recognized goth "types" include geeks, romantic goths, mopey goths and perky goths, as well as body mods with a marked preference for tattoos and piercings.

"Baby bats" are those new to the goth scene (teenagers). Corporate goths are among the mainly older and more affluent who resist giving up the dark lifestyle.

More about Goth culture around the Web:

a goth primer - The lifestyle guide for newbies with brief overviews of goth music, fashion, types & stereotypes, FAQ, related resources.

Dark Side of the Net - One of the oldest-established Web directories focusing on dark and goth interests by topic including art, music, TV, movies, books & authors, photos, cemeteries, forums & message boards, desktop screen savers, wallpapers.

Encyclopedia Gothica - Searchable or browseable in an A-Z directory of goth authors, terms & sayings, common abbreviations, and events & places associated with Goth culture. Also tool around for tips on surviving as a Corporate Goth and a Gothic Guide to Nail Care.

The Goth culture: Its history, stereotypes, religious aspects, etc. - Religious Tolerance.com's guide to Goth culture with a thoughtful overview of what it is, typical stereotypes, quotes, related references & resources.

How to Be Goth - wikiHow guide to immersing into the lifestyle with recommended reading, tips & warnings, fashion advice, plus related guides to goth makeup, music, poetry.

Gothic.net - Active goth community with visitor-submitted fiction and feature stories, video clips, a directory of related sites, message boards.

Gothville - Streaming radio with all the underground goth, punk, industrial and new wave hits, all the time.

also see in Society -> Subcultures -> Punks