Fandom Discussion: How did Snape get his nickname?

[themostepotente]

In book number five, we learn that Severus has a very unflattering nickname -- this, of course, being Snivellus.

We've been left to wonder if this is simply nothing more than a bastardization of 'Severus,' or if 'Snivellus' has a much deeper meaning. 'Snivellus' would seem to indicate 'sniveling', yet when he unwillingly becomes the target of the Marauders' bullying in the 'Snape's Worst Memory' chapter, he seems only to lose his temper with a feeble attempt at getting even. Not even when he's hung upside down are we given any indication that he's moved to tears. Of course the Pensieve scene cuts out with James asking if anyone would like to see Snape pantsed, but what about before this incident?

Was Severus Snape prone to tears from repeated bullying -- or perhaps you have another explanation?

How do you think Severus earned his nickname?

--P

Comments

[exbentley]

I like the idea I read in a fic somewhere that he never cries because of the nickname - he was in tears on, say, his first day, they called him Snivellus, he refuses to prove them right.

[rikibeth.livejournal.com]

Absolutely! That's what *I* think, too. And those first tears were tears of rage and frustration, no question.

Why, yes, my maiden name was "Weiner," pronounced "whiner," and I know those sorts of tears...

[ellid.livejournal.com]

I went to college with a girl whose last name was "Slutsky." She changed it when she married, and I've always wondered why it took her so long....

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

What if her married name was worse? Though, geeze, Slutsky's pretty bad.

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

Yeah, but kids nowadays will find something wrong with even the surname 'Smith.'

I endured my share of jibes with my last name too, hon :-)

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

I don't suppose you have the link, do you?

[exbentley]

No. In fact, I'm beginning to think I or one of my friends came up with it and it was never written, because I'm racking my brain and can't think of anything that particularly matches except maybe Sans Merci by Predatrix. That's one of my favourite ever fics so perhaps I've just warped the idea in my mind? Agh.

If I think of anything I'll let you know. 8-|