Why did Snape call Lily a 'Mudblood'?

[sassynpink at AOL.COM]

No: HPFGUIDX 177582

Jen:
I've got a question for a slow day: why *did* Snape call Lily a Mudblood?  Also, I'm curious how others read Snape's Worst Memory given his new memories in DH.  Did the resolution work for you?  I'm on the fence about this part.

Jules:

He was reacting like so many children, teens and adults do when hurt or angry. He lashed out with words that were hurtful, not necessarily what he felt. True, he had picked up the term from his DE cronies and had probably called other muggleborns by the term. But with Lily it was different. He loved her. Related it to "real" life. How many parents have heard their teen tell they (or probably yell) "I wish you were dead!" or "I hate you!"? Do they really hate their parents or wish they were dead? Probably (hopefully) not. But they are upset and lashing out. Do children really wish for the annoying sibling to get hit by a bus, fall off the fence or get bit by a dog? No, but when they are upset they will say what ever pops out first that conveys the hurt/anger they are feeling and lays it onto the other person.

Unfortunatly for Sev, it was probably the final straw in his crumbling relationship with Lily. She already didn't approve of his DE friends. She was upset by what DE students and people are judged by the company they keep. 

Jules