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Definition of grawlix

grawlix

/ˈɡrɔːlɪks/
graw · lix
Plural:grawlixes
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grawlix Lexical Profile

grawlix Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A sequence of typographical symbols (such as @#$%&!) used in text to represent a profanity or swear word, most commonly seen in comic strips and cartoons.

Example

"When the cartoon character hit his thumb with a hammer, a speech balloon appeared over his head filled with a long, angry grawlix."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for grawlix

• Rhymes for grawlix

• Nearby Words

gravy
grawa
grawa falls
grawlix
gray
gray fox
gray whale

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1964 by American cartoonist Mort Walker in his article 'Let's Get Down to Grawlixes', and later detailed in his 1980 book 'The Lexicon of Comicana'. The word was entirely invented to describe a specific visual trope.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Grawlix. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/grawlix
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