[HPforGrownups]Hooch-wholesome Quidditch referee or liquor-selling prostitute?

[Suzanne Chiles]

No: HPFGUIDX 40667

Laura pondered:

>
> But the other meaning for hooch is, unless I'm crazily off-course
> here -- a prostitute or the like right?  Maybe just a slutty
> individual rather than a professional, I'm not sure.
>
> Either way (whore, slut, or alcoholic beverage), I can't imagine
> what JKR was trying to tell us about Hooch's character by naming
> her that.  I mean, unless it's to explain
> what she does when she's not refereeing Quidditch matches or
> teaching first-years to fly.  Although I have a hard time
> believing that she spends her spare time running a liquor
> store/whorehouse.
>
> It would explain where Hagrid gets his ale and the single malt
> whiskey though, wouldn't it?  And why the Hogwarts teachers seem
> to have no problem staying away from their theoretical spouses
> for so long. *is warming to this theory*

I looked up "hooch" in the OED and have discovered that use of the word
hooch in relation to alcoholic beverages is strictly an American invention.
Hooch originated in Alaska in the 19th century as a cheap, home-made, highly
intoxicating drink made from wheat and sugar. As for the prostitute slur, it
is also of American derivation. Originally it was the name of a Black
minstrel performer named Hootchy-Kootchy Rice. Over time, "hootchy-kootchy"
came to mean an erotic dance, which is probably how some may have
interpreted over time to be connected to prostitution. In addition, another
meaning for hooch is temporary housing, such as used by the military.

More likely, however, is the association with the British meaning of word, a
very old meaning which is " An exclamation of excitement; the cry of a
dancer of the Highland fling. Hence heuch v. intr., to utter this cry."

I think it's important for American readers, and I am an American reader,
not to assume that the meaning of all things must coincide with our rather
narrow points of view, especially when reading a work by Scottish author.

Zo