Admit it that almost all of you have, at one point, wished for a letter from Hogwarts, or craved to have a butterbeer. Perhaps even a stroll down Diagon Alley instead of going to an ordinary mall?
If this sounds like you, then you’re most likely a Harry Potter fan, the series of books penned by JK Rowling about a boy who discovers he is a wizard. Seven books, and eight movie adaptations later, reality has met the magical world of wizardry half way by using these words in everyday language.
“What’s interesting to note here,” writes language researcher, Matt Norton on the Cambridge University press website, “is that often these words are used in context beyond talking about the Harry Potter books or films. In these cases the meaning of a word has been extended and applied to the real world.”
With the Harry Potter movies part of this month’s Festival of Magic, we’re reminding you of some of these thoroughly delightful words.
Muggle: A word in the UK used for a person who possesses no magical skill. The American term for non-magical people is no-maj.
Diagon Alley: Hidden from the hustle and bustle of central London, this is where the magical community buy their school supplies.
Hogsmeade: The town where the school is based.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry: A magical boarding school where young witches and wizards learn the craft.
Sorting Hat: A talking hat that separates Hogwarts first years into four different houses in the school: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Harry and his two friends, Ron and Hermione are placed in Gryffindor.
Mudblood: An offensive term used for someone who has magical powers, but their parents do not.
Butterbeer: A beverage favoured by the students of Hogwarts when visiting Hogsmeade.
Quidditch: A game played while flying on a broomstick. Each team comprises seven players using three hoops and three different types of balls.
See all the Harry Potter movies on M-Net movies 1, DStv channel 104, this June during the Festival of Magic.
Join the conversation online, find us on Twitter (@mnetmovies), Instagram (@mnettv), and Facebook (@MNet) using the hashtag #FestivalofMagic.
Watch all the Harry Potter movies on Showmax.
Featured image: Getty. A general view of '"Hogwarts Castle" at the Harry Potter Studio Tour at Warner Brothers Leavesden Studios on 23 March 2012 in London, England.