[HPFGU-OTChatter] British -> American "Translation", Please

[John Walton]

Jim Flanagan wrote:

> I'm confused by the British use of the adjective "bemused,"
> as it is used to describe a person's facial expression or
> overall attitude. I suspect that most Americans (at least those
> without a degree in English) would take this to mean "slightly
> amused," or perhaps "self-satisfied."
> 
> However, after encountering forms of the word several times in the HP
> books, as well as in CS Lewis, it appears, contextually, to
> mean a "passive" or "spaced-out" expression or attitude.
> 
> I don't have the OED-online, so can someone clue me in on the British
> understanding of "bemused?"
> 
> -Jim

Bemuse means "stupefy, make (person) confused". A person can also be said to
be bemused if this has happened to them. The difference between being
bemused and confused is that bemuse has a nuance of amusement with it.

--John, hoping that helps
____________________________________________

*"Quidditch Through The Ages" by Kennilworthy Whisp: 14 Sickles 3 Knuts
*New Firebolt Broom: just over 100 Galleons
*Watching Draco Malfoy being bounced up and down
after being turned into a ferret: Priceless

The best things in life are free. For everything else, there's Harry Potter.

John Walton -- john at walton.to
____________________________________________