Gothicity

/ɡɒˈθɪsɪti/ noun

Definition

The quality or state of being Gothic in style, character, or spirit.

Etymology

From Gothic + -ity (suffix forming abstract nouns). Emerged in the 19th century as critics and scholars needed a word to describe the essential qualities that made something 'Gothic' rather than merely decorated in Gothic style.

Kelly Says

Gothicity is basically the DNA of Gothic-ness—what makes a cathedral feel spooky and dramatic versus just old. It's the same impulse that made us invent 'coolness' instead of just saying 'that thing is cool.'

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