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goth up

C1 slang separable transitive/intransitive

To dress oneself in goth-style clothing and makeup, typically for a particular event or occasion.

In plain English

To put on black clothes, dark makeup, and goth accessories — usually for a party or event.

What does "goth up" mean?

One main meaning — here's how to use it.

1 C1 idiomatic slang

To dress in goth style — typically black clothing, heavy eyeliner, dark lipstick, and related accessories — for a specific occasion.

"They gothed up for the industrial music night and looked incredible."

separable
Usage tip

Youth slang associated with the goth subculture. Used both reflexively ('gothed herself up') and intransitively ('she gothed up'). More common in British slang but found online globally. Rare in formal or print contexts.

Words that pair with "goth up"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

costume makeup Halloween look outfit style

How to conjugate "goth up"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
goth up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
goths up
he/she/it
Past simple
gothed up
yesterday
Past participle
gothed up
have + pp
-ing form
gothing up
continuous

Hear "goth up" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "goth up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Keep exploring

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