Herki (Херки, singular herka ) is a Russian slang term for a youth subculture that emerged in the late 1990s, defining a cohort of young people (typically girls aged 12 to 17) who adopted a simplified, commercialized version of the goth aesthetic.

The term originated as a jocular name for the devoted fan base of the Finnish band HIM (His Infernal Majesty). Because HIM released discs in the US under the abbreviated label "HER," fans began referring to the female admirers of the group by this "feminine" name, creating a strong initial link between the band and the aesthetic.

The aesthetic is characterized by the perceived dissonance between the wearer's youth and the dark and aggressive imagery they adopt. While often sharing superficial fashion elements with the North American counterpart of Mallgoth , Herki is a distinct regional phenomenon with its own internal terminology, specific musical idols, and unique visual tropes tied to Russian internet culture.

The Herki uniform is a simplistic and easily accessible representation of goth fashion, frequently combining black netting and red accents. The attire often consists of a black mesh or netting, which is intentionally paired with items like violet or burgundy skirts that are then wrapped in black tulle. Jewelry is often composed of simple gothic ornaments and black wristbands. The most iconic piece of apparel directly associated with the core fandom is the "Шапка-виллевалка" (Ville Valo beanie), a black knitted hat styled after the headwear often worn by the HIM vocalist. Though less common today, wearers once utilized long black pseudo-Victorian dresses, often humorously noted for being cumbersome.

Makeup is a major component of the aesthetic, specifically the aggressive use of black eyeliner applied heavily, often resembling the exaggerated eye makeup of a panda. This is sometimes paired with white powder to achieve a pale complexion, mimicking the "corpse paint" of Black Metal , which Herki adherents often mistakenly label as "Goth." The Egyptian ankh (a symbol of life and fertility) is the most common piece of jewelry, revered as an especially gothic sign.

A unique and frequently satirized element of the aesthetic is the frequent practice of photographing oneself against Soviet-era apartment interiors, often featuring the infamous "бабушкиного ковра" (grandmother's carpet) and dilapidated surroundings. This satirical juxtaposition of expensive, stylized dark fashion against a mundane, "low-brow" interior is a main visual motif of the aesthetic in the Russian context.

The Herki scene created a complex ecosystem of internal slang terms and derivative sub-aesthetics, reflecting the subculture's intense focus on measuring "Gothic level" or authenticity (known as tru ).

The adherents' musical taste is often eclectic and considered superficial by traditional Goths, leading to the subculture's pejorative status. The musical diet of a stereotypical Herki is centered on groups that blend dark aesthetic imagery with commercially accessible melodic rock or metal.

The term "Herki" itself functions as a pejorative, often used by "true" members of the Russian Goth scene to denote those who are poseurs ; adherents who simply mimic the external attributes of gothic culture without understanding the underlying music or philosophy. The stereotype is that Herki youth seek to perform a sense of alienation ("Nobody understands me," "I am poor and miserable") and romanticize death, often lacking a strong intellectual or creative pursuit.