DADA

In the context of Harry Potter, DADA ("Defence Against the Dark Arts") is a core subject taught at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The course focuses on teaching students how to defend themselves against dark creatures, the dark arts, and other dark charms. It is crucial for the development of young wizards and witches, equipping them with the necessary skills to protect themselves and others against dark magic. Over the course of the Harry Potter series, the position of the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is famously jinxed, with no teacher lasting more than a year in the role.

In the context of fashion, "Dada" is the common name of the clothing brand Dada Supreme. It is known for its urban clothing and footwear, and gained particular popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s, especially within the hip hop community. The brand is notable for its bold designs and was also involved in the production of athletic shoes, making a notable impact in the basketball scene with some player endorsements.

"Dada" is also the name given to an avant-garde art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, around 1916. It originated in Zurich, Switzerland, as a reaction to World War I and was marked by a profound disdain for conventional aesthetics and cultural values. "Dadaists" used absurdity, irony, and nonsensical elements in their works to challenge the norms of art and society. The movement spread to various cities around the world, including Berlin, Paris, and New York, influencing a wide range of artistic expressions, including visual arts, literature, and performance.

When used with the meaning "Defense Against the Dark Arts," DADA is classified as an initialism abbreviation, as it is pronounced one letter at a time. Initialisms are different to acronyms, which are abbreviations spoken as words.