Probably everybody has heard and also watched of Harry Potter. Most will also know some of the memorable words that feature in both the book and the film series. Certainly J.K. Rowling has contributed a number of new words to the English language as it is written and spoken today. Besides new words, she also has revived some of the old words that have become relevant nowadays for everyone.
The names and words she used in the books have revived archaic terms that had passed into obscurity, and other words used by the characters have found their way into everyday language. JK Rowling achieved a BA in French and Classics from the University of Exeter, so it’s no wonder that her books are filled with long-forgotten words.
For those who do not know, these are some of the old words that bring their own meaning got used by JK Rowling in Harry Potter which produced other meaning that are suitable for the story.
1) Dumbledore
- In Harry Potter: The name of the beloved headmaster of Hogwarts.
- Original: In the 18th century, it was used as another name for a bumblebee.
2) Muggle
- In Harry Potter: A non-magical person. It comes close to sounding like it’s an insult, referring to the word “mug” which has been used to describe a foolish or gullible person.
- Original: To refer to someone who lacks a particular skill or ability. However, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, it was previously used as a synonym for “sweetheart”.
3) Dobby
- In Harry Potter: House-elf with the Malfoys that won many hearts both in the books and on screen.
- Original: A friendly name for a hobgoblin in Yorkshire and Lancashire. He is very like a Brownie, but perhaps more likely to play mischievous pranks.
4) Remus Lupin
- In Harry Potter: Name of a werewolf.
- Original: Founders of Rome who were called Romulus and Remus. Legend has it they were suckled by a she-wolf after their father ordered them to be left on the riverbank to die. This connection is heightened by the fact that “lupus” is Latin for “wolf”.
5) Voldemort
- In Harry Potter: The great villain of the story.
- Original: Combination of the French words vol de mort, then the name translates as “flight of death” or “theft of death,” two meanings that have particular significance for a character who brings death to others while simultaneously trying to live forever.
6) Squib
- In Harry Potter: Wizard-born, is a non-magical person who is born to at least one magical parent.
- Original: Described as something that was disappointing.
Whether or not you’re a fan of JK Rowling’s work, there can be no denying the influence the Harry Potter books have had on Western culture and vocabulary. To quote the American writer Rita Mae Brown, “Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going”.
Sources: The Vintage News.