JKR punning names (was: New Member and question)

[cubfanbudwoman]

No: HPFGUIDX 160680

Geoff:
> > As I have often remarked in the past JKR has a whole raft
> > of punning names. Examples are Diagon Alley, Knockturn Alley,
> > Umbridge, Grimmauld, Durmstrang, Hogwarts and fascinating new
> > meaning for Apparition and Disillusion.
 
Jenni: 
> OK, I got the pun on Diagon Alley (diagonally), Knockturn Alley
> (nocturnally) and Hogwarts (warthog) but Umbridge, Durmstrang and
> Grimmauld are puns how? I don't see it, it's probably staring me
> right in the face!! I'll probably feel REALLY stupid when it turns
> out to be something really simple and OBVIOUS! Ooooooooh!
> 
> Jenni from Alabama (feeling like an idiot right now)


SSSusan:
Hee.  You're making me feel better, I can tell you that!  And you're 
not being an idiot. :)

Grimmauld Place => grim old place
Durmstrang => play on "sturm und drang" ["storm & stress"] 
Umbridge => play on "to take umbrage" [Dolores is certainly one to 
whom people take umbrage!] 

Siriusly Snapey Susan