Where does the term 'Gothic' come from?

The term 'Gothic' originally referred to the Goths, a Germanic tribe that played a significant role in the decline of the Roman Empire. In art and architecture, it emerged in the 12th century to describe a style characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, which was prevalent in cathedrals and churches. The term was later adopted by the Renaissance as a pejorative to denote what they saw as the barbaric and uncivilized aspects of medieval architecture, contrasting it with classical styles. Today, 'Gothic' encompasses a broader cultural and aesthetic movement, including literature and fashion.