You-Know-Who

“You-Know-Who” is the most common and widespread euphemism used in the wizarding world for Lord Voldemort. The term's usage is born out of the profound and lingering terror he instilled during his reign, particularly during the First Wizarding War, to the point where speaking his chosen name, “Voldemort,” was considered a dangerously bold act. This sobriquet reflects the collective trauma and fear that permeated magical society, with the vast majority of witches and wizards, including officials at the Ministry of Magic, opting for this and other circumlocutions rather than uttering the name itself.

The practice of avoiding Lord Voldemort's name became deeply entrenched in wizarding culture during the height of his power in the 1970s. The fear associated with his name was so potent that it persisted for the entire decade he was presumed dead. When Harry Potter first entered the wizarding world, he found the use of “You-Know-Who” to be nearly universal. Notable users of this euphemism include:

• Nearly all students and most staff at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
• Ron Weasley, who had a particularly strong, almost superstitious aversion to the name, flinching whenever it was spoken in his presence.
• High-ranking Ministry of Magic officials such as Cornelius Fudge.

Conversely, a small number of individuals made a point of using the name “Voldemort” as an act of defiance. Albus Dumbledore was the most prominent advocate for this, famously advising Harry Potter, “Always use the proper name for things. Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself.” Following his mentor's lead, Harry consistently used the proper name, an act that often shocked and unnerved those around him. Other members of the Order of the Phoenix, such as Sirius Black and Remus Lupin, also used the name, as did Hermione Granger after overcoming her initial hesitation.

During the Second Wizarding War, the fear surrounding Voldemort's name was weaponized. He and his Death Eaters placed a powerful jinx, known as the Taboo, on the name “Voldemort.” This curse acted as a tracking charm, magically breaking any protective enchantments and instantly revealing the location of anyone who spoke the name aloud. This made the wizarding population's long-standing habit of using “You-Know-Who” an unwitting but effective method of self-preservation. The Taboo was the primary method used by Snatchers to hunt down enemies of the regime, particularly Muggle-borns and members of the Order of the Phoenix who were in hiding. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were captured by a group of Snatchers led by Fenrir Greyback after Harry accidentally spoke the name “Voldemort” on Tottenham Court Road, breaking Hermione's protective spells.

While “You-Know-Who” was the most common alias, several others were also in use, often indicating the speaker's relationship to Voldemort.

• He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named: A slightly more formal and dramatic-sounding euphemism, also used widely by the general populace. It appeared frequently in the Daily Prophet and was used by characters like Professor Quirinus Quirrell in an attempt to project the standard, societal fear.
• The Dark Lord: This title was used almost exclusively by Lord Voldemort's followers, the Death Eaters. It was spoken with a mixture of reverence and fear, signifying their servitude. Severus Snape used this title when speaking of Voldemort, both in his capacity as a spy for Dumbledore and as a Death Eater.

The choice of which name to use for Lord Voldemort serves as a significant character indicator throughout the series.

• Users of Euphemisms: Characters who use “You-Know-Who” or “He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named” demonstrate their acceptance of the societal fear that Voldemort created. It represents the psychological hold he maintained over the wizarding world.
• Users of “Voldemort”: Characters who use the proper name display courage, defiance, and a refusal to be controlled by fear. This is a central tenet of Dumbledore's philosophy and a key marker of Harry's growth and bravery.
• Users of “The Dark Lord”: Characters using this title are openly identifying themselves as servants and followers, acknowledging his power and their subservience to his will.

J.K. Rowling has stated that the wizarding world's fear of Voldemort's name is a manifestation of a central theme in the books: the consequences of fear and intolerance. The idea that “fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself” is a moral that runs through the entire narrative. In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, the Taboo is visualized by a dark, smoky sigil that erupts from the speaker and shoots into the sky, immediately followed by the Apparition of Snatchers (film).