“Merlin’s beard! I forgot to study” just might be a phrase that will make your friends give you a second look come exam season. This one could applicable next time you find out you have a quiz you haven’t prepared for. Merlin’s beard, Merlin’s “baggy y-fronts,” Merlin’s pants, or simply just his name are all common curses uttered by the wizarding community in times of surprise or crisis. In the wizarding world, Merlin is a well-respected wizard from ancient times, whose name is often shouted by witches and wizards as an expression of shock.
You may have heard of the great wizard Merlin in stories about King Arthur. Merlin’s beard/Merlin’s pants 'Merlin’s beard, Harry, you made me jump,' said Slughorn, stopping dead in his tracks and looking wary' - Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
