Scrawling - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

writing

To write or draw something quickly and carelessly, often with a messy or illegible result. It can also refer to moving in a hurried and awkward way.

Synonyms

scratch, scribble, write hurriedly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
scrawling	Often used to describe very messy or rushed handwriting that is hard to read. His notes were just a scrawling mess, almost impossible to decipher. She received a crumpled letter with scrawling handwriting.
scribble	Generally used to describe quick, informal, and often sloppy writing or drawing, usually done without much care. The child began to scribble all over the walls. I scribbled a quick note before running out the door.
scratch	Can mean making marks with something sharp or quickly jotting down notes. Often implies a rough or quick action. He scratched his name into the wooden surface. I had to scratch down the address in a hurry.
write hurriedly	Used to describe the action of writing quickly due to lack of time, without necessarily implying poor handwriting. She had to write hurriedly to get the report done on time. He wrote the apology note hurriedly before leaving.

Examples of usage

He was scrawling notes in his notebook during the lecture.
The kids were scrawling on the walls with crayons.
She scrawled her signature at the bottom of the document.
The artist scrawled a quick sketch on the back of a napkin.
I scrawled a message on a sticky note before rushing out the door.

Interesting Facts

Literature

Famous writers, like Kafka and Hemingway, often had chaotic handwriting that reflected their tumultuous thoughts.
In graphic novels, scrawling is used to show a character's frantic emotions or urgency during a scene.
The style of scrawling is sometimes adopted in modern poetry to convey raw, unfiltered expressions of feelings.

Art

Street artists often utilize scrawling techniques in graffiti, giving an impression of spontaneity and wild creativity.
In contemporary art, messy writing or scrawling can be a form of artistic expression, challenging traditional forms of beauty.
Famous artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat incorporated scrawled text into their works, blurring the lines between art and writing.

Psychology

Messy handwriting, or scrawling, can reflect a person's emotional state, often indicating stress or urgency.
Studies have shown that faster, more chaotic writing may enhance creativity, as it allows for unfiltered expression.
The act of scrawling can serve as a form of catharsis, helping individuals release pent-up emotions through the simple act of writing.

Pop Culture

Characters in films or books often scrawl their thoughts in a rush, signifying urgency or panic during critical moments.
Social media platforms have trendy scrawled fonts, aimed at evoking a casual, relatable mood in posts.
Music lyrics frequently feature scrawled typography in cover art, representing raw and authentic emotions.

Origin of 'scrawling'

Main points about word origin

The word has roots in the Old English word 'scrifan,' meaning to write or describe.
It evolved through Middle English, where 'scrallen' indicated a hurried or rough way of writing.
'Scrawl' originally referred to the messy writing of children and has been used informally in English since at least the 15th century.

The word 'scrawling' originated from the Middle English word 'scrawlen', which meant to write or mark with irregular, hurried strokes. The term has been in use since the 14th century, evolving over time to its current meaning of hasty or messy writing. The concept of scrawling reflects the human tendency to jot down thoughts quickly, often sacrificing neatness for speed.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,482, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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37479 tanager
37480 biopharmaceutical
37481 saurian
37482 scrawling
37483 victimizing
37484 expectedly
37485 hydroplane
...

Scrawling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations