Learn British Slang with the Harry Potter Series
The Harry Potter series has become one of the biggest and most popular franchises in the world. Even if you've never read the novels or seen the films, you probably know something about it.
Just like other novels, the Harry Potter series can be educational in addition to being entertaining. Have you ever thought about how reading it can be useful for learning English?
In this article, we will introduce some slang that is unique to British English, the style of speaking used by the characters in the series. Whether or not you are familiar with the story, you are sure to learn something interesting and useful!
Who is Harry Potter?
Harry Potter is the name of the main character from a series of fantasy novels written by British author J.K. Rowling. The success of the books led to a series of films, which became big hits themselves and created young Hollywood stars.
The series, consisting of seven novels, follows the life and adventures of Potter, a young wizard, and his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. The story takes place primarily at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and the main story is about Harry's struggle against the dark wizard Lord Voldemort.
The series explores themes as diverse as the fight between good and evil, the importance of friendship and love, and the nature of death. The series is loved around the world and has been a big part of pop culture ever since the release of the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, published in 1997.
In addition to the films, the franchise has also produced theme parks, theater performances, video games and many kinds of merchandise for everyone from children to adults. It has also had a big influence on literature; perhaps its most important effect is that it created a new generation of enthusiastic readers!
About the author
J.K. Rowling, author of the series, is a British novelist who has been called one of the most famous and successful authors in modern literary history.
Originally from Gloucestershire in southwest England, Rowling had an interesting and challenging life before becoming a writer. It is said she came up with the idea for the series in 1990 while on a delayed train traveling from Manchester to London.
Because Rowling herself is British, it is not surprising that British English is used in the text of the Harry Potter story. If you are mostly familiar with English from America or other parts of the world, reading or watching the series will give you a chance to get familiar with expressions that are unique to this particular dialect.
Differences from the American English version
Title
Did you know the British and American versions of the Harry Potter novels are not exactly the same?
The first major difference is in the title of the original novel itself! The British edition is called Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, but the American edition is retitled Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. But why?
When the book was first published in the US, the American publisher Scholastic felt that “philosopher” would not appeal to American children. A philosopher is a person who writes about or studies questions about existence, knowledge and thought. And a philosopher's stone refers to a legendary item used in a mystical kind of science called "alchemy."
On the other hand, a "sorcerer" is another word for a wizard. Although it doesn't include as much of the original meaning, it is definitely simpler and clearer. Perhaps it’s not difficult to see why the American publishers thought the new name would be better.
It is said that J.K. Rowling agreed to the change for the American edition. However, she later regretted the decision, saying that if she had more confidence at the time, she would have fought to keep the original name.
Terminology
In addition to the title, other changes were made due to differences in spelling between the US and the UK; for example, words such as “colour” and “favour” in the original were changed to “color” and “favor” to match the American spelling style. Similar changes were also made to dialogue and descriptions. Some examples of these changes can be seen below.
| British version | American version |
| jumper | sweater |
| crisps | chips |
| sherbert lemon | lemon drop |
| treacle toffee | treacle fudge |
| revision timetable | study schedule |
It's important to mention that these changes did not affect the main story or the characters.
British slang found in Harry Potter
Let's move on to some slang expressions from the series that are common in British English. Keep in mind that these are all quite informal, so they should only be used in casual situations and with people you have a close relationship with.
Bugger
Its meaning and usage can change depending on the context and region. Some common usages are listed below.
Oh bugger, I've forgotten my keys.
In this context, it expresses frustration or irritation over a small mistake.
You lucky bugger!
It is sometimes used as a light, friendly way to address a friend or acquaintance.
Just bugger off and leave me alone!
In other words, "Go away!"
You silly bugger, you made the same mistake again!
Here it is used as a friendly way to tease someone.
Keep in mind that the meaning of this word in the UK is different from that in North America, where it may be seen as a stronger insult.
Bloody
This expression is often used by the character Ron Weasley. It’s quite common in the UK and is often used for strong emotional emphasis. Although it was originally considered slightly rude, it is now used often in many modern contexts.
That bloody owl keeps screeching in my ear.
It's bloody cold today!
Bloody hell!
This is another expression often used by Ron. It expresses a wide range of emotions, including surprise, anger, disappointment and confusion.
Bloody hell! I can't believe we missed the train.
Blooming
Usually, “blooming” refers to the process of a plant growing and opening, but as British English slang, it is used as a politer version of "bloody."
Like bloody, it adds emphasis, but in a calmer and less aggressive way.
I’ve been waiting for this blooming bus for ages!
The emphasis here is on the speaker's annoyance.
He's a blooming good footballer, isn't he?
In this example, however, it emphasizes the speaker's praise or admiration of an athlete.
Toss
This slang is used in some parts of the UK and can have a dirty meaning.
I don't give a toss.
In other words, “I don’t care at all.” It’s used here to emphasize that the speaker has no interest or concern for something.
Look at that Gryffindor. What a tosser.
In this example, it’s used in noun form in order to insult someone.
Arse
This is the British version of the American English term “ass.” Both can refer to someone’s behind in a rude way.
He's been sitting on his arse all day doing nothing.
Here it refers to someone who is lazy.
It can also be used as an insult, especially to describe someone as stupid, as in the following example:
Don't be such an arse!
Smart-arse!
This expression is used to describe someone who boasts that he or she is smarter or better than others.
It can be used, for example, when someone makes fun of another person or when referring to someone who shows off their knowledge.
Naff
This term is used to say that something is outdated or of poor quality. For example, it can refer to old, out-of-fashion clothing or designs that are not stylish.
That cloak looks naff.
Daft
Calling a person “daft” means that they are acting foolishly or in a way that does not make sense. Depending on the context, it can have a rude nuance, or it can be used in a friendly way.
I thought Ravenclaws weren't meant to be daft.
This homework we've been set is just daft.
My knee's going daft.
In the final example, it’s used by an older person to refer to a problem with their knee.
Dodgy
This is a commonly used British expression that has a variety of meanings.
It can refer to a situation that seems strange or maybe even dangerous. For objects, it can mean that something is of low quality or is likely to break. And for people, it can mean that they are unreliable or cannot be trusted.
I have to go meet someone in a dodgy part of town.
I wouldn't eat that; it looks a bit dodgy.
Here, who's that dodgy guy over there?
Prat
“Prat” is primarily used to refer to someone who is stupid or clumsy. However, it is sometimes used in a light, joking way.
What is that Hufflepuff doing? She looks like a total prat!
Below, it refers to the fact that a Hufflepuff student appears to be acting foolishly.
You stupid prat, you left your toad in my bed!
Codger
This term is generally used to refer to older men, but in the Harry Potter series, it can also refer to unpopular professors. In some cases, it suggests that the person has an old-fashioned way of thinking.
Professor Smith? Oh, that daft old codger.
Blighter
This is used to refer to a person, mainly in a friendly or slightly insulting way. It’s often used for someone who is annoying or who causes trouble.
That nasty little blighter.
Nutter
In American English, someone who is “nuts” (adjective) acts very strangely or does dangerous and risky things. In British slang, however, that kind of person would be called a “nutter” (noun).
What the hell is he doing? That nutter sent the bludger straight at my face!
*A bludger is one of the tools used in the fictional sport of Quidditch in the Harry Potter series.
Snogging
“Snogging” refers to intimate acts between romantic partners, such as kissing and touching. In American English, the same idea can be expressed as “making out.”
Ginny and Dean were snogging in the corner every time Harry entered the common room.
From the UK to the world
If you are familiar with the Harry Potter series, you may be surprised to learn that so many expressions in it are slang unique to England.
When using them yourself, give special attention to the situation, your relationship with the person or people you are speaking with, and the tone of your voice. These expressions can be fun to use, but the context must be appropriate.
We hope this article has inspired you to try reading Harry Potter — or other novels — in English and paying close attention to the idioms and expressions you find. Novels and films can be fantastic study tools, so give it a try!
Written by Amy, adapted by David
