Scribble is hasty, often meaningless marks, while scrawl is untidy handwriting. Scribbles lack intent, scrawls are messy writing.
TL;DR Scribble Vs. Scrawl
Scribbling is typically characterized by quick, messy strokes or marks made without much thought or intent. It often lacks clarity and legibility.
Scrawling refers to writing that is done hurriedly and carelessly. It may be more legible than a scribble but still lacks precision and neatness. Scrawls can appear rushed and erratic.
What is a scribble?
A scribble is an impulsive burst of writing or doodling. It’s often characterized by hasty and erratic marks on paper, conveying a sense of spontaneity and playfulness.
Scribbles can take many forms – from hastily written notes during a meeting to mindless doodles while daydreaming in class.
Unlike carefully crafted calligraphy or neatly formed letters, scribbles are not concerned with precision or legibility.
They embody an uninhibited form of expression where the hand moves freely, creating whimsical patterns and shapes that may seem chaotic at first glance.
What is a scrawl?
A scrawl is a haphazard and messy style of writing that often lacks legibility. It is characterized by its uneven strokes, erratic lines, and disorganized appearance.
Unlike a scribble which can be more intentional or purposeful, a scrawl tends to convey a sense of hurriedness or carelessness.
Scrawls are often the result of writing quickly or without much thought put into forming individual letters.
They can be difficult to read and understand, making it challenging for others to decipher the intended message. Scrawling can occur when someone is in a rush or simply not paying attention to their handwriting.
Scribble Vs. Scrawl – Key differences
| Aspect | Scribbling | Scrawling |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Hasty, chaotic marks | Messy, untidy handwriting |
| Intent | Often lacks clear purpose or meaning | Attempt at writing, but hard to decipher |
| Form | Can involve random lines and shapes | Involves letters, words, or symbols |
| Control | Minimal control, lacks structured form | Usually retains some resemblance to writing |
| Speed | Rapid and careless | Generally slower but still messy |
| Artistic Value | Typically lacks artistic intention | Usually not seen as artistic expression |
| Communication | Rarely conveys specific information | Can contain attempts at conveying messages |
| Legibility | Generally illegible or difficult to read | Often difficult to read but some parts clear |
| Context | Often associated with young children | Often seen in hastily written notes |
| Visual Appeal | May have a childlike or abstract quality | Tends to appear more like written text |
Examples of Scribble and Scrawl
Examples of Scribble
- A toddler using a crayon to create random lines and shapes on a piece of paper.
- Doodling absentmindedly during a phone call, resulting in abstract marks.
- Rapidly jotting down ideas with a pen, resulting in messy, haphazard marks.
Examples of Scrawl
- Quickly writing down a phone number on a sticky note without paying much attention to neatness.
- Taking notes during a lecture in a hurry, resulting in messy and barely legible handwriting.
- Attempting to write a message on a post-it note while in a rush, leading to distorted letters and words.
Image Credits
Featured Image By – AxxL from Pixabay
Image 1 By – PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay
Image 2 By – FunGi_ (Trading) on Flickr
