Broken potionvial WAS: Re: Bad Writing? (was: JKR and the boys)

[justcarol67]

No: HPFGUIDX 163236


> Neri wrote:
> <snip> To my (admittedly limited) knowledge of informal English,
"oops" indicates authentic startle, while "whoops" is ironic or
otherwise insincere. <snip quotes>

> Neri, 
> who had never imagined there could even be a debate about Snape
> dropping the flask on purpose.
>
Carol reponds:
 Ingenious, Neri, but unfortunately incorrect. "oops" and "whoops" are
identical in meaning. Here's the Merriam-Webster Online definition of
"oops":

Main Entry: oops
Variant(s): or whoops also woops /'(w)u(&)ps/
Function: interjection
-- used typically to express mild apology, surprise, or dismay

"Whoops" doesn't have its own entry as its only a variant of "oops."

As has been pointed out, not even Harry says, thinks, or implies that
Snape broke the flask. It's only the point deduction (which in no way
affcect Harry's passing or failing Potions in OWL year) that he resents.

No one is suggesting that it's *nice* of Snape to gloat or deduct
points unfairly, only that he didn't actually break the flask, as some
readers but not all readers infer from the passage.

Carol, not at all surprised that an incident that occurs when Harry's
back is turned is subject to interpretation