griffonage

Griffonage is a term used to describe extremely illegible handwriting. It refers to writing that is so difficult to decipher that it may be considered unintelligible or nearly so. The word itself is derived from the French word "griffonner," which means to scrawl or scribble.

While the term can be used humorously to describe any messy handwriting, it is sometimes used in a more formal context, particularly in discussions of historical documents or legal matters where the legibility of written records is crucial. In some professions, such as medicine, illegible handwriting has historically been a concern, leading to patient safety issues. However, with the increasing adoption of digital records, the prevalence of griffonage in some fields has decreased.

The causes of griffonage can vary. Some individuals naturally develop a hurried or untidy script. Others may experience physical conditions that affect their fine motor control, making it difficult to write clearly. Stress, fatigue, or a lack of time can also contribute to the development of illegible handwriting.

In essence, griffonage is simply very bad handwriting, a common phenomenon that can range from a minor annoyance to a significant impediment depending on the context.