Ceiling wax / Madam(e) / fanfilm / couplethink

[pengolodh_sc <pengolodh_sc@yahoo.no>]

--- In HPFGU-OTChatter, the Catlady (Rita Prince Winston) wrote:
[snip]
> I'm inclined to think that Madam Hooch's given name is
> Hieronyma, except I can't think how that name could have been
> made so unpleasant to her that she is so firmly trying to rid
> it from her life ... If she'd been named Horacia or Priscilla,
> such nicknames as Horrie, Prissy, and Silly might have had that
> effect...  

[snip]

Madam Hooch is a member of the Hogwarts staff, as is Madam Pince, 
which goes a long way towards explaining these two being referred to 
by surnames rather than given names.  I suspect that any student 
addressing Madam Hooch or Madam Pince (or referring to her in 
presence of a teacher - particularly Professor Snape or Professor 
McGonagall) as Madam Horacia or Madam Priscilla or Madam Hieronyma, 
or whatever the given name is, would be in grave risk of detention, 
as there are rules for how you address a member of the staff.  Note 
that even Filch and Hagrid are referred to by surnames - Hagrid even 
by those close to him (such as Harry).  

Madam Malkin, on the other hand, runs a private business which does 
seem to be geared on giving the customer an experience of personal 
attention from the staff - and Madam Rosmerta runs a similar 
business.  For them, using the given names reinforces a feeling of 
informality and being at ease while in the pub or in the shop, which 
will be a benefit for their business.

Best regards
Christian stubø