Your first post gives the indication that you hate the word muggle because you believe all mysticism in fantasy should be based on eastern culture.
Anyone else hate British cuteness?
- Thread starter irrelevant83
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So, you 'hate', which is a rather strong word, based on a single word in a single series of books, a part of British culture, which doesn't even exist. I see sir, you make a rather compelling argument. However, might I suggest you make a few more examples of this logic. I for one aren't comfortable with J.K. Rowling representing the entirety of British culture. Not to say she's a bad person in any way, but to be the sole representative would be a bit much. I might just as well say that Lauren Faust represents the entirety of American culture, and I hate that American thing of mostly-everything being ponies.
Also, as to the explanation of the word 'Muggles'. You see, in Britain, it is a rather common event for people not proficient in magical arts to go out into the dirty streets with knives and start an activity known as 'mugging'. It is so common, that one might say it is a favourite pastime of ours, being mugged. I hope this clears any confusion you might have, Mister irrelevant83, and I hope you have a good day.
Richardplex, awaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay.
Also, as to the explanation of the word 'Muggles'. You see, in Britain, it is a rather common event for people not proficient in magical arts to go out into the dirty streets with knives and start an activity known as 'mugging'. It is so common, that one might say it is a favourite pastime of ours, being mugged. I hope this clears any confusion you might have, Mister irrelevant83, and I hope you have a good day.
Richardplex, awaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay.
From what I've seen, American humor tends towards the zany/cornball. British humor tends towards the wry.SillyBear said:
For if you do, we will break you're legs and leave you in a skip outside Dixon's.The Droog said:
*sniff* It's the British way...
Seconded.GodsAndFishes said:
I always thought Muggles sounds kind of racist, or magic-ist, or whatever.
OT: I honestly can't comprehend what you're talking about. Since when to the English make things cute? I think you've gotten one island nation mixed up with another my good man.
Well, like people have already said, it's a bit misguided to make a blanket statement about a culture based off a single word used in one book. Also, don't you think you're barking up the wrong tree complaining about the use of a cute (to be honest, I think 'odd' is a better description)sounding word in a book first written for an 8-12 age market? It's a bit like a child complaining they didn't enjoy a Tom Clancy novel cos there weren't enough pink elephants in it.
Personally, I don't find 'muggle' all that cute. I associate it with 'mug' which is British slang for 'idoit' or 'niave person' (see a Guy Ritchie film for examples); so to me it sounds like more of an insult.
As for British culture being rife with cutesy-ness, well, Lord of the Rings isn't all that cute for a start. Nor's Wallace and Gromit really (it's kind of quaint and silly, but it is designed for both kids and adults). Neither are anywhere near as sickly sweet as Care Bears; the majority of American rom-coms or Will Smith's obligatory clean rap in every animated film he does. And High School Musical was ALL YOUR FAULT!
The only thing about our culture that I think could be misread as cute (I'm starting to think Americans use 'cute' in place of 'silly' or 'daft' now) is that we like to treat most things with as little seriousness as possible (unless you read the Daily Mail. They're readership makes up at least 80% of those with high blood pressure in this country... it's fun to rag on the Daily Mail).
Personally, I don't find 'muggle' all that cute. I associate it with 'mug' which is British slang for 'idoit' or 'niave person' (see a Guy Ritchie film for examples); so to me it sounds like more of an insult.
As for British culture being rife with cutesy-ness, well, Lord of the Rings isn't all that cute for a start. Nor's Wallace and Gromit really (it's kind of quaint and silly, but it is designed for both kids and adults). Neither are anywhere near as sickly sweet as Care Bears; the majority of American rom-coms or Will Smith's obligatory clean rap in every animated film he does. And High School Musical was ALL YOUR FAULT!
The only thing about our culture that I think could be misread as cute (I'm starting to think Americans use 'cute' in place of 'silly' or 'daft' now) is that we like to treat most things with as little seriousness as possible (unless you read the Daily Mail. They're readership makes up at least 80% of those with high blood pressure in this country... it's fun to rag on the Daily Mail).
Yeah I don't get what this guy is on about either. As an American ex-pat, I find the British anything but cute. Like more annoying, yet slightly less lazy than Australians.
Also... that was a bloody childrens book. Are you REALLY surprised that many of the things in the book have silly sounding names? REALLY??
Also... that was a bloody childrens book. Are you REALLY surprised that many of the things in the book have silly sounding names? REALLY??
This made me laugh quite hard, it is quite british to do something like that.Sizzle Montyjing said:
I must say I am enjoying the replys since my last post quite alot. All i have to say is i don't think the americans (or just the OP) understand our humor and books.
If you look at the later books, the dark wizards certainly treat 'muggle' as a slur- they see them as lower forms of life, creatures to be eradicated. I always saw it as kind of a holocaust reference.Stasisesque said:
Yeah, I'm a massive geek.
And I don't like to have to watch a bloody ad just to get my captcha and make a forum post.
Huh, my captcha seems to agree with me, it's 'axe to grind'
As an American, I don't understand you. Nor do I see how you seem to think the British people make everything cute......I see how Japanese stuff tends to be cute but....yeah. I wouldn't discount a series just cause of one word that I read as more a derogatory term than anything else. *shrugs* but then again, I don't understand MOST Americans so I'll just add this to my list of stuff I don't understand.
Did anyone else immediately think of Hugh Grant when they read the topic title?
[http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/28/hughgrant2005040533773.jpg/]
Yeah me too I hate British cuteness almost as much as I hate Swedish racism, or I would if either of these things friggin existed! what the devil are you talking about old chap?!
As a British person I too would like to say what on earth are you talking about?
How is "muggle" cute? It's just a word. Also Harry Potter doesn't define British Culture it's just a single set of books written by a British woman. It's like saying the Final Fantasy series defines Japanese culture.
How is "muggle" cute? It's just a word. Also Harry Potter doesn't define British Culture it's just a single set of books written by a British woman. It's like saying the Final Fantasy series defines Japanese culture.