A magical memo from J.K. Rowling: There's a different word for 'muggle' in America

 By 
Saba Hamedy
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

American Harry Potter fans: Prepare for an identity crisis.

Author J.K. Rowling has declared that the term "Muggle" -- which refers to a non-magical human being -- isn't actually used stateside.

Instead, American wizards use the term “No-Maj” (an abbreviation for “no magic”), Entertainment Weekly reported Wednesday.

The wizarding world of Twitter, of course, had mixed opinions about this revelation.

y'all are hating on nomaj but its lowkey growing on me— tria (@tonycest) November 4, 2015

NOPE. I refuse. I will not call muggle No-Maj. Nope nope nope. https://t.co/36m797puYN— Trinity Bramhall (@panicxgirl16) November 4, 2015

When you’re suddenly a no-maj instead of a muggle and your entire self concept changes https://t.co/0hZvbTNhfg— Katie Akin (@KatieAkin) November 4, 2015

DON'T LET THE NO-MAJ'S GET YOU DOWN.— Ardit Haliti (@ardit_haliti) November 4, 2015

No-Maj Studies.— Rachel Paige (@rachmeetsworld) November 4, 2015

No-Maj sounds weird. I'ma stick with Muggle, thanks, Rowls— Michael Clarke (@Mikeclarke94) November 4, 2015

No-Maj? I think I'll stick to Muggle — Felipe (@FelipeWWoHP) November 4, 2015

Whether you love no-maj or or hate it, you still have to get used to it. The shorthand will be used in the upcoming Harry Potter spinoff Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

The film, inspired by a Hogwarts textbook of the same name, follows English magizoologist Newt Scamander (played by Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne) after he comes to New York. It also stars Katherine Waterston (of Inherent Vice) as a witch named Tina and Colin Farrell as a wizard named Graves.

But don't worry: You have until next November to emotionally prepare for the film.

Until then, farewell, no-majes. Er, madges? Majs? Majz? The confusion continues.

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