scrawl
UK: /skrɔːl/ | US: /skrɔːl/
v. to write or draw carelessly or hastily in an illegible manner
n. messy, hurried handwriting or drawing
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scrawl = scraw<to spread or scratch> + l<frequentative verb suffix>
- scraw: Likely derived from Middle Dutch schrawelen ("to sprawl") or related to Old English screadian ("to shred"), implying a rough, sprawling motion.
- l: A frequentative suffix in English, indicating repetitive or habitual action (e.g., "dazzle," "crackle").
Etymology Origin:
"Scrawl" emerged in the late 16th century, originally meaning "to sprawl" or "spread awkwardly." By the 17th century, it shifted to describe hurried, untidy writing—mimicking the erratic motion of scratching or sprawling. The -l suffix reinforces the repetitive, careless nature of the action.
She scrawled a quick note before rushing out the door.
His signature was an illegible scrawl at the bottom of the page.
The child scrawled crayon marks across the wall.
The doctor’s prescription was a barely decipherable scrawl.
Graffiti artists scrawled slogans on the abandoned building.