Muggle

Muggle is a term from the Harry Potter series used to refer to a person with no magical abilities. In the wizarding world, Muggles are ordinary humans who do not practice magic, though they can live alongside witches and wizards and may be unaware of magical communities. The term is commonly used by magical folk to distinguish non-wizards from those who can perform spells and conjure enchantments.

In-universe usage highlights social divisions within the magical world. Terms such as pure-blood, half-blood, and Muggle-born describe lines of magical lineage and parentage. While Muggle is primarily a descriptive label, it is often deployed with varying connotations, ranging from neutral to dismissive, depending on the speaker. The concept also underpins plot elements involving secrecy, protection of the magical community, and interactions between Muggles and magical beings.

Etymology and origins of the word are not explicitly explained within the canon. J.K. Rowling coined the term for the series, and she has provided limited commentary on its derivation, leaving its exact linguistic roots largely open to interpretation. Fans have proposed theories linking the word to everyday English terms, but no definitive explanation is given in the books themselves.

Beyond the novels, Muggle has entered broader popular culture as a shorthand for non-members of a particular group or activity. In the Harry Potter universe, American editions and related works sometimes use No-Maj as a localization for non-magical people, reflecting cultural adaptation in different markets.

Related terms include Muggle-born (a wizard or witch born to non-magical parents) and, in some adaptations, No-Maj. The concept remains a recurring reference point for discussions of identity, belonging, and exclusion within both the fictional world and its fan communities.