What does scrawl mean?
To scrawl is to write with little concern for neatness, legibility, or the usual conventions of handwriting. The word often suggests that the writer is in a hurry, distracted, or unconcerned with presentation, and it can carry a mildly critical or humorous tone. As a noun, a scrawl is an irregular, messy piece of writing, especially a hurried note or an illegible signature. Scrawl is common in everyday speech and informal writing, though the term is more often used to describe writing than to praise it. It is useful when describing both the physical appearance of handwriting and the broader impression of haste or informality. For example, someone might say that a note was “a quick scrawl,” or that a famous person’s autograph consisted of an almost unreadable scrawl.
To write or mark something quickly and carelessly, often making the letters difficult to read.
"The child scrawled his name across the paper."
Usually informal and often implies that the writer is hurried or unconcerned with neatness.
A messy, hurried, or difficult-to-read piece of writing, especially a note or signature.
"I could barely make sense of the scrawl on the whiteboard."
Often used with a mildly disapproving or humorous tone.
The plural is possible, although the singular is more usual when referring to a particular piece of messy writing or a characteristic style of handwriting.
"The walls were covered with scrawls and abandoned messages."
Scrawl is what happens when speed matters more than neatness.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does scrawl come from?
The English word is recorded from the 17th century, but its precise origin is uncertain. It developed as a term for hurried, irregular writing and was later extended to name the writing itself. The word belongs to a broader English vocabulary of verbs describing marks and handwriting, such as scribble and scratch, but its exact relationship to those forms is not securely established.
Related word forms
How scrawl is actually used
The word is informal and mildly disapproving when describing handwriting, especially a signature. It can also be playful when referring to hurried personal notes or messages.