Behind the names of Beasts and Magical Creatures (Etymology)
written by Snitch-Tail
Beast: an animal, especially a large or dangerous four-footed one e.g. Hippogriff Creature: comprised of both magical and non-magical entities and are split by the Ministry of Magic into three classifications: Being, Beast, or Spirit e.g. Acromantula Beware SPOILERS and missing datas
Last Updated
05/31/21
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Chapter 8
Mooncalf:
In modern terminology, a "mooncalf" is a foolish person. The term originally meant a deformed calf born under the malign influence of the full moon. In the 17th century, it came to mean a deformed baby, and later, a hideously deformed individual; as in Shakespeare's Tempest, when Stephano calls Caliban a "mooncalf."
The "geometric patterns" mooncalves make is a reference to crop circles, believed by some to be made by UFOs.
Niffler:
Niffler may derive from the provincial verb Niffle, meaning 'to pilfer'.
In modern terminology, a "mooncalf" is a foolish person. The term originally meant a deformed calf born under the malign influence of the full moon. In the 17th century, it came to mean a deformed baby, and later, a hideously deformed individual; as in Shakespeare's Tempest, when Stephano calls Caliban a "mooncalf."
The "geometric patterns" mooncalves make is a reference to crop circles, believed by some to be made by UFOs.
Niffler:
Niffler may derive from the provincial verb Niffle, meaning 'to pilfer'.
