Magic Beings

Witch: noun

1.

a person, now especially a woman, who professes or is supposed to practice magic or sorcery; a sorceress.

Compare warlock.

 

 

Wizard: noun

1.

a person who practices magic; magician or sorcerer.

 

 

Warlock: noun

1.

a man who professes or is supposed to practice magic or sorcery; a male witch; sorcerer.

 

The interchangeable use of these words has always been a major pet peeve to me. The greatest example of it would be in the most popular young adult series that I have ever seen in my life, Harry Potter. The go to an academy called “Hogwarts: School of Witchcraft and Wizardry”. The male students in the series are referred to as “Wizards” and the girls are referred to as “Witches”. WIZARDS ARE MALES AND FEMALES! THEY ARE NOT GENDER SPECIFIC! The male counterpart to a witch would be a warlock. Now, I understand that Hagrid saying, “You’re a warlock, Harry.” Would not have been quite as intriguing, but it would be much more correct. I am not exactly sure as to why this use of words seems to bother me so much, but it is definitely a pet peeve. Though, the only time you ever really hear of female wizards seems to be in Wizards of Waverly Place.