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

[iibnf.livejournal.com]

I think it's the combined frustration/anger thing. I've known plenty of people cry when they get really frustrated/angry/humiliated. Which then frustrates them even more.

I don't think Snape's weepy, like in a (I hate to use a misogynistic term) 'girlie' sort of way, but I could see him crying with anger. Tears, not really sobs, though.

[iulia_linnea.livejournal.com]

I agree: he'd let one get away---at least in public---but that would be more than enough to earn him his nickname.

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

Once is all they'd (the Marauders) require to make the name stick.

[arseaboutface.livejournal.com]

I can see him as an angry cryer when he was young, but I think he'd grown out of that by the time he was an adult. Well, "grown out" in the "learned to force back the urge to shed tears of frustration" respect.

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

I agree. I think Snape bottles a lot, and as a result, has a really explosive temper.

[iibnf.livejournal.com]

Yes - now he likes to make everyone ELSE cry instead!

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

I don't think Snape's weepy, like in a (I hate to use a misogynistic term) 'girlie' sort of way, but I could see him crying with anger.

Harry's a lot like Severus in that respect, but really I don't see any of the males as 'weepy.'