What's in Snape'sname?

[kiricat4001]

No: HPFGUIDX 148153

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "deborahhbbrd" <hubbada at ...> 
wrote:
> 
> So, in the hopes of opening up a branch line, has there been any
> discussion (if there was, I missed it) on the significance of Snape's
> schoolboy nickname? Why, of all things, call the lad Snivellus? We've
> seen nothing to indicate that he was prone to self-pity, showed his
> sensitivity to criticism by crying, or even had sinusitis that the
> best efforts of magical Healers couldn't cure.
> 
> Because the Marauders wouldn't attack a target that wasn't there.
> They'd go for whichever bit of the jugular would give them the best
> results.

Marianne:

I see that Potioncat has summarized the previous Snivellus 
discussion.  I'll add one thought that has only a nodding acquaintance 
with canon.  

I lean towards the sniffling, crying meaning for "snivelling."  This 
sort of perceived weakness is something James and Sirius would have 
gone for like sharks scenting blood in the water.  I can imagine that 
something happened to young Snape which pushed him to tears. This was 
then not only turned into a nasty nickname by the Marauders, but was 
something which I think caused them to accuse him of cowardice.  

Being called a coward is such a hot-button issue for Snape that I 
think it has deep-seated roots.  I can't help but feel he did 
something, or didn't do something, and that (non)action became 
labelled as cowardly by Snape's hated enemies, as in "you snivelling 
coward." Unfortunately for Snape the nickname stuck.

Marianne