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Although it's a valid word for a magic user, the word "magician" feels cheap to me, probably, because this is attached with those who displays trickery. Also, there are better words which I see everywhere in the canon: wizard, witch, warlock.

But I see lots of people using the words magician. Has this word ever been used in the canon (Canon meaning books, movies, interviews, Pottermore, Twitter, and official statements)?

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Although the word "magician" doesn't appear in any of the Potter books, it does appear in a Pottermore article about Vernon and Petunia Dursley:

Petunia did not want Lily as a bridesmaid, because she was tired of being overshadowed; Lily was hurt. Vernon refused to speak to James at the reception, but described him, within James’ earshot, as ‘some kind of amateur magician’.

This obviously could be considered an insult within the wizarding world.

Note that the word "illusionist" is also conspicuously absent.


Interestingly, Alan Rickman describes his character, Snape as a "black Magician" in an interview with Unreel

I think at heart Snape is basically quite an insecure person, he's always longing to be something else that people will really respect like a black magician not just a school master. That's why he envies the more popular and successful boys like Harry. He does have his positive side though even though Harry's a thorn in his side he doesn't let it worry him too much.

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    In the interests of answering the recent dupe as well as the question above: is the word "magician" ever used in-universe by non-Muggles?
    – Rand al'Thor
    Apr 30, 2018 at 19:21
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    @Randal'Thor - It hasn't appeared in any of the books, said by muggles, wizards or the narrator.
    – Valorum
    Apr 30, 2018 at 19:26

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