To Laddie or not to Laddie

[angharad]

Hey y'all,

I'm in the middle of writing a story in which Minerva is trying to find out what is bothering Neville. I figure that at some point in the conversation she would stop calling him "Mr. Longbottom", and I've been toying with the idea of having her say something like "What is troubling you, laddie?" Now, part of me thinks that's just right, Minerva being Scottish and all, but another part of me thinks it would be just too hackneyed for words! What do you folks think?

Trying not to cause unintentional laughter,

Angharad

[KayleeTonksLupin]

I quite like the idea, Angharad! And I'd like to see that story when it's done too!

-Kaylee

[angeldust]

;D I think its a great idea!!!

[QuillofMinerva]

Hello,

I think Laddie would be a good term to use. I think that it may let Neville open up to her a lot more than Mr Longbottom or Neville so I think you should go for using that term.

Clayre x

[mugglemin]

I'm not sure. You are a very capable writer and I'm sure that you would pull it off...it just seems a bit much for Minerva. How about just "lad"? It's a bit more subtle, but would still give a sense of her sympathy for Neville.

[TabbyMin]

Preferably? I think laddie would be better. It might soften her stern personality.

[SG]

I think I'm with mugglemin on this. I can see why you'd use 'laddie' as a softener, but the casual reader might think you were just shoving in a Scottishism for the hell of it. 'Lad' is a nice compromise.

But I'm sure it'll be fabulous whatever you do.

[emeraldtabby]

I think it would be cool to use it but don't over use it. Too much of a good thing can be bad, especially in writing.

[nemi]

I think you should use it. I don't remember an occasion in the books where she's ever actually *said* anything that indicates she's Scottish, which is probably why a very young and sheltered moi didn't realise until the films came out. Don't use it again and again, as it'll spoil it, but yeah, give it a go. ^^

[Kierah]

I seem to recall a fanfic where she was constantly calling Harry 'Harry-lad.' Don't overdo it like in that fic, keep it smooth as if she's unconsciously slipping into a state of ease.