Scrawling is spelled with six letters: S-C-R-A-W-L-I-N-G. It is pronounced /ˈskrɔː.lɪŋ/. The "s" sound is pronounced "sk", followed by the "k" sound in "crow". The vowel sound in "scraw" is pronounced as "awe" followed by the "l" sound. The "i" and "n" sounds are pronounced in their respective positions. This word refers to the action of writing or drawing something in a messy, untidy manner, often with irregular or haphazard strokes.
Scrawling refers to the act of writing or drawing in a careless, hasty, or disorderly manner, resulting in illegible, rough, and untidy strokes. It involves the use of a pen, pencil, or other writing instrument to create characters or designs without giving much attention to neatness or precision. Scrawling often implies a lack of skill or deliberation, and it is commonly associated with quick note-taking, doodling, or casual forms of self-expression.
Typically executed with rapid movements, scrawled writing tends to be erratic and disorganized, lacking the structure and uniformity found in formal calligraphy or composed handwriting. The lines appear unsteady, irregular, and sloppily connected, making it difficult for others to decipher or comprehend the intended message. The size, shape, and slant of the characters may vary significantly, further contributing to the chaotic appearance of the scrawl.
Scrawling is commonly seen in informal contexts, such as written notes, graffiti, personal journals, and informal letters. It can also serve as a form of creative expression, as seen in sketching or doodling in notebooks or on scraps of paper. Sometimes, scrawling may be used deliberately to convey a specific meaning or evoke a particular aesthetic, often associated with rebellion, rawness, or a sense of spontaneity.
Overall, scrawling represents a form of writing or drawing characterized by its carelessness, disorderliness, and lack of precision, offering an alternative mode of communication or artistic expression that deviates from conventional standards of legibility and intentionality.
Writing illegibly.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "scrawling" comes from the Middle English term "scrawlen", which evolved from the Old Norse word "skrāla", meaning to scrawl or scribble. The Old Norse term is believed to have its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "skrælaną", which means to crawl or creep. Over time, "scrawlen" transformed into "scrawling" in modern English, retaining its meaning of messy or illegible writing.