[HPforGrownups] Translations/muggles

[manawydan]

No: HPFGUIDX 61113

Louisa wrote:
>As far as I was aware, the word "muggle" was used in the 70s (mainly in the
>UK and California - I believe it was coined in San Francisco) as a
euphemism
>for a cannabis smoker. With that meaning in my consciousness I found
>Rowling's use of it to describe those completely oblivious to something
>right under their noses very appropriate and quite funny! It also fits in
>quite nicely with EmmaJess' knowledge of the word "mug" which may well have
>been shortened from "muggle."

My understanding is that "muggles" as a synonym for cannabis actually goes
back to the 1930s rather than the 1970s - the theory I've heard is that it
actually derives from the Welsh word "myglys" which officially means
"tobacco" but more literally translates as "smokables".

As JKR went to school in Wales she _may_ _just_ have come across the word
(though I don't think it's very likely as I can't see the connection with
the Potterverse version of muggles!)

Cheers

Ffred

O Benryn wleth hyd Luch Reon
Cymru yn unfryd gerhyd Wrion
Gwret dy Cymry yghymeiri