scribbled

Scribbled is the past tense and past participle of scribble. It refers to writing or drawing quickly and carelessly, often producing markings that are difficult to read. The term can also describe notes or sketches made in a hurried, informal, or improvised manner.

In everyday use, something scribbled is typically informal or temporary. Examples include a note scribbled on the margin of a book, a password scribbled on a napkin, or a child's drawing on a piece of paper. The word often conveys a sense of spontaneity, but it can also indicate illegibility or lack of precision depending on the context.

Etymology and related forms: Scribble as a verb originates in English and is connected to the broader family of words based on scribere, the Latin root meaning “to write,” via historical forms in Old French and Middle English. Related terms include scribbling (the act or instance of scribbling), scribbler (one who scribbles), and synonymous actions such as scrawl or doodle, which share the notion of rapid, informal writing or drawing.

In cultural usage, scribbled marks are sometimes valued for their immediacy and expressive quality, as a contrast to carefully planned handwriting or formal illustration. Nevertheless, scribbled text is typically distinguished by its legibility issues and casual tone.