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

[grrliz.livejournal.com]

I've often heard the theory that it was based on the Marauders seeing Snape cry at some point, but I remember when first hearing the nickname (long before I entered fandom), my immediate reaction was not that it was related to crying but related to complaining and whining, or even being sick . For me, Snivellus is pretty similar to Snuffles in that way: they both sound like four year-olds with stuffed up noses.

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

Being sick? Hmm -- no one's brought that up yet. That's a very good theory as he seems a sickly boy. Would explain a lot.

*icon love*