Wizard Vs. Warlock

[rainy_lilac at yahoo.com]

Original Yahoo! HPFG Header:
No: HPFGUIDX C1753
From: rainy_lilac
Subject: Wizard Vs. Warlock
Reply To: [Yahoo! #1748] Long message, only small mention of food
Date: 6/8/00 1:56 pm  (ET)

I seem to remember somewhere in the books, someone makes mention of
warlocks. Whatever.

JK probably didn't think about this, and it is probably immaterial to
the HP books, but I think it is worth mentioning that the history of
the words "wizard" and "warlock" are profoundly different-- "warlock"
is distinctly derogatory, and comes from a Scottish word that means
"oathbreaker". It was devised during the time of the witch trials in
Scotland, and was fully intended to be degrading and insulting.

"Wizard" has no such history or connotation.

Among contemporary Wiccans, both men and women are referred to as "witch",
"wizard" being considered archaic. "Warlock" is never, ever used because
it is an insult.