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Harry Potter·Tickling Charm

Rictusempra

A charm that distracts its target through magical tickling.

SpellFictional SettingBooksFictional incantationDistraction

Character / Caster: Harry Potter

Continuity / Version: Harry Potter Book Continuity · Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

A fully clothed wizard laughing amid curling magical wisps

Original illustration inspired by the spell’s fictional effect

AI-generated illustration · Spelling Spells

Every letter matters

How to spell it

Exact spelling: Rictusempra. Spaces and letter order are part of the entry.

The words behind the wonder

Meaning & use

Fictional Effect: Produces a tickling sensation that makes the target laugh.

The official guides identify Harry using it on Draco during Duelling Club. This entry records laughter from tickling without claiming a particular visible projectile, spell color or range.

Where the word comes from

Language & etymology

Unconfirmed etymology

Etymology has not been independently established for this entry.

Confirmed means a source identifies the origin. Suggested means an interpretation is plausible but is marked as such. Unconfirmed means an origin has not been established here.

Follow the story

Sources & references

Story / series: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets