The string of symbols used to replace or obscure written curse words is collectively known as grawlix. While there isn't a single universal "bad words symbol," grawlix is the term for the collection of characters used for this purpose.
Understanding Grawlix
Grawlix refers to the non-alphanumeric symbols that appear in place of offensive language, particularly in cartoons, comic strips, or censored text. It serves as a visual placeholder, indicating that a curse word was used without actually displaying the word itself, thus maintaining appropriate language standards for various audiences.
Common Grawlix Symbols
A variety of characters are commonly employed as grawlix symbols. These symbols are often strung together to create a visual representation of the obscured word, conveying its length and intensity without revealing its content.
Here are some of the most frequently used grawlix symbols:
| Symbol Name | Symbol |
|---|---|
| Ampersand | & |
| At sign | @ |
| Exclamation Mark | ! |
| Dollar Sign | $ |
| Hash Symbol | # |
Asterisks for Obscurity
In addition to the symbols listed above, it is also very common to use asterisks (*) to replace some or all of the letters within an offensive word. This method directly obscures the word while still indicating its original form and length. For example, a word like "damn" might appear as "d*" or "***," and "f" for other expletives.
Together, these symbols and asterisks form the visual language of censorship for offensive words, universally understood as an indication of strong language.
