gothic
GOTH-ik
Definition
Relating to a style of horror characterized by dark, supernatural, or ominous themes, often set in atmospheric, decaying, or historic locations.
Etymology
The word originates from the Goths, a Germanic tribe, and was later applied to a style of medieval architecture. By the 18th century, it was adopted to describe a genre of literature and art characterized by gloomy, mysterious, and archaic atmospheres.
In the news
The article uses the word to distinguish between horror films that feel disturbingly plausible and those that are 'gothic' or fantastical in nature. This distinction highlights how some directors pivoted away from traditional, supernatural storytelling toward grounded, visceral realism.
The 10 best horror movies of all time, ranked for 2026
Read the full article ↗Quartz