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Scrawl Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ–Š๏ธ
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scrawl

[skrษ”หl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

messy writing

To write or draw something quickly and carelessly, making it difficult to read or understand.

Synonyms

scratch, scribble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scrawl

Used when writing something quickly and carelessly, often making it difficult to read. It usually has a negative connotation, implying untidy or rushed writing.

  • He scrawled his name at the bottom of the form.
  • Her address was scrawled on a piece of torn paper.
scribble

Used when writing or drawing something quickly and without care or when it is difficult to read. Often associated with children or informal notes and can have a playful or neutral connotation.

  • The toddler loves to scribble on the walls.
  • I just scribbled a quick note to remind myself.
scratch

Refers to making marks or lines by scraping or scratching a surface, often with something sharp or pointed. Can also mean to write something quickly and informally but is often more associated with the physical act of scratching.

  • She scratched a heart into the tree trunk.
  • The cat scratched at the door until I let it in.

Examples of usage

  • He scrawled his signature at the bottom of the page.
  • She scrawled a note on the back of a napkin.
  • The graffiti artist scrawled his tag on the wall.
  • The child scrawled all over the walls with crayons.
  • I could barely read the scrawl on the post-it note.
Context #2 | Noun

illegible writing

Handwriting or drawing that is messy and difficult to read or understand.

Synonyms

scratch, scribble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scrawl

Used when referring to hurried or messy writing with little attention to neatness.

  • His signature was just a quick scrawl at the bottom of the page.
  • The note was a barely readable scrawl.
scribble

Appropriate when referring to writing or drawing quickly and carelessly, often by children or when taking hurried notes.

  • The child loved to scribble with crayons on the paper.
  • I had to scribble down the phone number quickly before I forgot it.
scratch

Commonly used to describe writing or drawing that is done with very little care or skill, often with something sharp.

  • She scratched her name into the bark of the tree.
  • The message was scratched onto the bathroom stall door.

Examples of usage

  • The note was written in a messy scrawl.
  • I couldn't make out the scrawl on the old document.
  • The teacher struggled to decipher the student's scrawl on the exam paper.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Messy writing can indicate a rushed thought process or high emotion during writing.
  • Some studies suggest that handwritten notes, even if scrawled, are better for memory retention compared to typing.

Art and Literature

  • Famous artists have used scrawling as a technique; the spontaneous, free-flowing form can convey emotion and movement.
  • In literature, charactersโ€™ scrawls often symbolize chaos in their thoughts or lives, adding depth to narratives.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, you might see characters scrawl messages urgently to convey panic or excitement, often enhancing dramatic moments.
  • Certain graphic novels and comic styles embrace scrawled writing to develop unique artistic voices.

Education

  • Teachers often prefer neat handwriting for readability, while allowing 'scrawl' during brainstorming sessions to encourage free thinking.
  • Learning cursive writing can help improve the control needed to avoid scrawling when speed is required.

Origin of 'scrawl'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'scralen', which means to scribble or write hastily.
  • It is related to the Old English word 'scrifan', which means to scratch or scrape, hinting at the rough nature of the writing.

The word 'scrawl' originated from the Middle English word 'scralen', meaning to crawl or move on hands and knees. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to messy or illegible writing. The modern usage of 'scrawl' dates back to the 17th century, where it was used to describe hasty and careless handwriting.

See also: scrawling.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,712, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.