Squib

"A Squib is someone who was born into a wizarding family but hasn’t got any magic powers. Kind of the opposite of Muggle-born wizards, but Squibs are quite unusual."

- Ron Weasley discussing Argus Filch

A Squib is a non-magical person who is born to at least one magical parent. Squibs are, in essence, the antithesis of Muggle-born wizards and witches. They are rare and are looked upon with some degree of disdain by some witches and wizards, particularly pure-bloods. J. K. Rowling has stated that Muggle-born witches and wizards are descended from Squibs who married Muggles; the magical gene resurfaces after many generations unexpectedly.

Along with contrasting Squibs with muggle-borns, they should also be contrasted with the muggle parents of muggle-born witches and wizards. Muggle parents are simply muggles who just happen to know about the magical world, but, seeing as they were not born to magical parents, they are not squibs.

Differences between Squibs and Muggles
In addition to being born into magical rather than Muggle families, Squibs are different from Muggles in that they notice and comprehend the wizarding world. They are able to see Hogwarts, as it would be very hard for Filch to work there if he could not see it. They also seem capable of forming wizarding-like relationships with animals, mainly cats, such as Argus Filch with cat Mrs. Norris and Arabella Figg with her numerous cats.

Attitude toward Squibs
"You disgusting little Squib, you filthy little blood traitor!"

- Marvolo Gaunt to his daughter, whom he believed to be a Squib.

The Ministry of Magic does not keep records of Squib births, a sign of wizard society's general disregard [[Molly Weasley's second cousin|a Squib fuk and suck my dick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Known Squibs

 * Arabella Figg
 * Argus Filch
 * J. K. Rowling
 * Marius Black
 * The Thurkell brothers

Believed Squibs

 * Neville Longbottom — discovered to not be a Squib when his Uncle Algie 'accidentally' dropped him out of a window and he bounced down the road.
 * Merope Gaunt — discovered not to be a Squib when she married Tom Riddle Sr. after running away from home. She was able to develop her magical abilities freely as she had not displayed them before due to fear of her father and brother.
 * Ariana Dumbledore — unable to control her magic after being traumatised by an attack by Muggle boys, and kept hidden by her family.
 * Unnamed second cousin of Molly Weasley (assumed)

Behind the scenes

 * The term likely comes from the English expression "a damp squib" (dud firecracker), an expected delight that disappoints.
 * The Star Wars series also uses the term Squib as the name of an alien species.
 * Idris Oakby, founder of the Society for the Support of Squibs, may have been a Squib herself.
 * Two squibs (both are minor characters) seen in the series are Arabella Figg and Argus Filch. Both seem to love cats.