Teen Gothic

Or "baby bat", whichever you prefer.

In the early 00s, I saw "babybat" everywhere. A term of endearment and acceptance. Someone new to the subculture who listened to actual goth music, unlike the edgy teenagers who mistook Marilyn Manson and Slipknot for goth musicians. (There was a derogatory phrase for those people: "spookykids".)

Lots of members of this sub have used that phrase. Whenever I did, I was met with disapproval. "It's extremely patronizing."

Which is it? What are your thoughts?