My Rambles

Have you ever wondered what words are and how they originated? Who invented the language and why was a word given a meaning it was given?

This post is not about exploring these questions. The prompt reminded me of the playful ghost in Harry Potter ‘Peeves‘. He was the one who would launch water-ballons on kids and iritate them with his other antics.

I further started thinking other wordplay in Harry Potter where in author’s ingenuity in naming characters, spells and other so called things from the Magic world instantly connected the readers to the world. It was magical yet comprehensible.

Some other such usages in the book series are:

1. Dementor: a creature that feeds on human happiness, causing depression and despair. The word could have been derived from Dement which means out of one’s mind.

2. Expecto Patronum: The incantation for a spell that summons a Patronus, a protective force. It’s derived from Latin, with “expecto” meaning “I await” and “patronum” meaning “a protector.”

3. Muggle: A non-magical person. The origin of this word is uncertain, but it may derive from the English word “mug,” which can mean a fool or simpleton.

4. Pensieve: A magical object used to review memories. The word is a play on the words “pensive” and “sieve,” reflecting the object’s ability to sort through thoughts or memories.

5. Horcrux: An object in which a dark wizard or witch has hidden a fragment of their soul for the purpose of achieving immortality. The term likely derives from the Latin words “hor,” meaning “dirt, filth,” and “crux,” meaning “cross,” symbolizing a great burden or trial.

6. Lumos: A spell used to create light. Derived from the Latin word “lumen,” meaning “light.”

7. Animagus: A wizard who can transform into an animal at will. The name is a combination of “animal” and “magus” (Latin for “wizard”).

8. Quidditch: Last is my favorite word, used for a popular sport using flying brooms and magical balls in wizarding world. How enthralling! The word was the brain-child of the author.

The creative use of language by the author is an inspiration and I am not sure if enough credit has been given to her for the same.

Language is evolving with the society and everyday new words are getting added to the same, however this again brings me back to the original question, who was that genius who actually invented the language in the first place? If it has been invented collectively by people, does anyone really have a right to judge others use of language as long as the message is getting communicated?

Any wordplay that has been on your mind, please share in comments.

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