littekentype

Littekentype is a term used in Dutch design discourse to describe a typographic approach that mimics scar tissue on letterforms or in the texture of text. Derived from litteken, meaning scar, the term signals deliberate imperfections that evoke damage, healing, or resilience.

In practice, littekentype encompasses fonts and lettering that display irregular stroke endings, nicks and gaps, worn edges, or overlays that imitate scar textures. The effect is achieved through a combination of glyph-level distortions and surface textures rather than a conventional typeface style.

Applications include posters, editorial layouts, book design, and branding where a gritty, expressive, or humanized tone is desired. Designers may create littekentype by altering existing fonts, applying texture overlays, or using masks and hand-drawn alterations to introduce the scar-like marks.

Littekentype is not a formal category in major typography references; it appears primarily in contemporary practice and online design discourse. As a niche term, it is often discussed alongside distressed or grunge typography and related texture-based approaches.

See also: distressed typography, grunge typography, weathered type.