Gothicism

[ goth-uh-siz-uhm ]

noun

1. conformity or devotion to the gothic style in the arts.
2. the principles and techniques of the gothic style.
3. (sometimes lowercase) barbarism; crudeness.

Gothicism

/ ˈɡɒθɪˌsɪzəm /

noun

1. conformity to, use of, or imitation of the Gothic style, esp in architecture
2. crudeness of manner or style

Word History and Origins

Origin of Gothicism¹

First recorded in 1700–10; Gothic ( def ) + -ism

Example Sentences

Victorian style has been frequently parodied as grotesque — from Edward Gorey’s fabric-draped rooms bustling with sinister men in frock coats to the Second Empire horror house of the Addams Family, to the Penny Dreadful Gothicism of Lemony Snicket’s “A Series of Unfortunate Events.”

From New York Times

The altar is a stunning attraction with its Romanesque architecture, featuring columns, exquisite details and its hint of high-peaked Gothicism.

From Washington Times

She takes up residence first in a neighborhood overlooking Lila’s, then in the apartment directly above hers, and there, in the pure gothicism of this spatial arrangement, the two women resume their relationship, Lila acting as mother to Elena’s daughters — and almost, therefore, to Elena herself — so that Elena can pursue her career.

From New York Times

The gallery does so much: it positions Morris within the topography of north-east London as it edges into Epping Forest and Essex; it explains the roots of his gothicism and relationship with Ruskinian design; it describes the birth of his commercial practice and commodification of style; it deftly charts the nature of his socialism and how his art interacted with his politics; and it explores his remarkable cultural legacy.

From The Guardian

Creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk vibrate on much the same frequency—and they ratchet up Scorsese's Catholic-school Gothicism, and they Ratched up the scenario, and they apply a no-shame high gloss to deliver wet kisses to cinematic trash.

From Slate