What was the initial intent of the term "Gothic" as used by its originator?

The term "Gothic" was initially used in a derogatory manner by Renaissance thinkers who viewed the architecture of the Gothic period as crude and uncouth, likening it to the aesthetic tastes of the Goths, a group associated with barbarism and the decline of classical art. This negative connotation reflects the Renaissance desire to return to the perceived harmony and beauty of classical antiquity, leading them to reject the earlier Gothic style, which they felt deviated from those ideals. This historical context helps to understand why the term originated with a critical perspective, rather than one of celebration or categorization of artistic movements.