grawlix
noun
graw·lix
ˈgrȯ-ˌliks 
plural grawlixes
: a series of typographical symbols (such as $#!) used in text as a replacement for profanity
… it's impossible to quote Ryan directly without liberal use of the grawlix …—
Steve Rushin
Steve RushinExamples of grawlix in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Vassell said in a tweet that included an angry-looking emoji with a mouth obscured by a grawlix, a string of typographical symbols – in this case, #%!
—Tom Orsborn, San Antonio Express-News, 2 Feb. 2022
The use of grawlix is mostly limited to cartoons and casual fiction writing.
—Washington Post, 20 July 2021
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Tom Orsborn, San Antonio Express-News, 2 Feb. 2022
The use of grawlix is mostly limited to cartoons and casual fiction writing.
—Washington Post, 20 July 2021
Cite this Entry
“Grawlix.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grawlix. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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