What the grawlix?

[budafist]

Just a bit of education here (http://www.typography.com/ask/showBlog.php?blogID=122). I thought it was interesting anyhoo :)

What does one call the use of random non-alphabet characters to indicate cursing? It’s a universally understood device, and is applied in both graphic and textual settings. It is such a commonly accepted staple that I assumed it must already be defined and described — but apparently it’s not.

It is a grawlix. Apparently.

grawlix, n. A string of typographical symbols used (especially in comic strips) to represent an obscenity or swear word.” I don’t think I’ll ever look at a character set quite the same way again

[Red Kittie Kat]

I learned something new! I never thought that string of cartoon obscenities had a name :D

Thanks Ms Buda :)

[budafist]

Now you can say: What the grawlix? :)

[Red Kittie Kat]

I shall :D

[garricks]

It figures Mort Walker would come up with it...Sarge does enough cussing for the whole comics pages!

[urstwile]

Interesting! :)

[morea]

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/grawlix

and here I was trying to figure out the etymology of the word... "hmm, does it have a latin root? What does it mean?"

I need to get more sleep.

[urstwile]

Or drink. :D

[morea]

you know, I think you're on to something there! :D

[garricks]

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/grawlix

and here I was trying to figure out the etymology of the word... "hmm, does it have a latin root? What does it mean?"

I need to get more sleep.
Possibly a combination of "graphics" and "growl" ??

[morea]

garricks, you are wise beyond your years. Especially for a pantsless, pixellated badger.

[obesebee]

%#!#ing grawlixes.

[garricks]

*bows*
Why thank you, morea! :D

I knew at an early age that @#$%&^ meant something you shouldn't say.

Does anyone else translate it in their head into cussing?