The nickname âSnivellusâ derives from the word âsnivel,â which means crybaby. So, Snivellus was basically a way of mocking the fact that Severus might show his emotionsâthat instead of toughing it out like a stereotypical, macho, strong, hairy-chested man, he cried. I donât think I need to explain why this nickname is problematicâany nickname used to bully someone is problematicâbut a nickname that also references a supposed weakness, stemming from the expectations of a patriarchal society for men to display âunmanlyâ behavior typical of âweakâ men, is not just problematic due to the bullying itself but also because of the misogynistic implications it carries. Because yes, misogyny and hegemonic gender roles also affect men by demanding certain traits from them to validate them socially. And I know the Marauders lived in the 1970s, and that Rowling is one of the worst when it comes to gender issues. But I find it quite ironic how Marauders Stans or Slytherin Skittles, who have built their trash fandom and constant Snape-bashing around the topic of LGBTQ+ themes, have the audacity to mock Snape using a nickname that directly attacks gender nonconformity and justifies a toxic, traditional masculinity that shames men who cry or show emotions, labeling them as less valid.
The Marauders werenât social justice warriors, and James and Sirius, in particular, embodied the classic values of male success through the performance of stereotypical âmachoâ characteristics: as leaders, as âalphasâ of the pack. Both are violent; both are cocky men who try to stand out and mark their territory. Both exhibit behaviors that have typically been excused in men just because they are men, such as abusive and reckless behavior. Their nickname for Severus stems from the idea that showing emotionsâespecially cryingâif you are a man, is a reason for ridicule and mockery because men donât cry. Men are supposed to be strong, puff out their chests, and keep going because thatâs what men do. Itâs a misogynistic and archaic mindset that continues to be perpetuated in social models and relationships to this day. And I find it incredibly hypocritical that certain people who claim to hate J.K. Rowling for being a transphobe then go on to appropriate the horribly sexist nicknames she created for a group of heterosexual men embodying toxic masculinity to bully another man for not performing the traditional masculine model expected of someone like him.
Because Severus wasnât a âmachoâ. Severus was a studious introvert with a more passive character who didnât fit into the masculine vision of the time. Everything about him, including his appearance, demeanor, and interests, is unmasculine from a hegemonic perspective given the historical context. But these people donât care. Theyâre so limited, so ignorant, and so cynical that they not only ignore these kinds of nuances but even find it funny to reproduce insults that any real-life James Potter would probably have used against them.
Make no mistake: James Potter and Sirius Black wouldnât have been your friends. They would have tortured you as much, if not more, than Snape. And thatâs the most pathetic part of their fandom, unfortunately.
