Chicken scratch Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈtʃɪkən/ /ˈskɹætʃ

CHIK-en SKRATCH

UK

tʃˈɪkɪn/ /skɹˈætʃ

chi-KIN skr-ATCH

Definition

Writing that is very messy and hard to read, as if a chicken wrote it. Usually refers to bad handwriting.

Usage & Nuances

Informal, often humorous or critical. Refers specifically to handwriting, not printed text or computer fonts. Common in expressions like 'Your notes look like chicken scratch.' Not used for drawings or messy notes generally.

• Spanish: letra de médico - garabatos
• Portuguese (BR): garrancho - letra ilegível
• Portuguese (PT): garrancho - letra ilegível
• Chinese (Simplified): 鬼画符 - 潦草的字迹
• Chinese (Traditional): 鬼畫符 - 潦草的字跡
• Hindi: बिल्कुल खराब लिखावट
• Arabic: خربشة - خط غير مقروء
• Bengali: ঝোপঝাড় লেখা - বাজে হাতের লেখা
• Russian: каракули - неразборчивый почерк
• Japanese: ミミズが這ったような字
• Vietnamese: chữ như gà bới - chữ xấu
• Korean: 닭이 긁은 글씨 - 악필
• Turkish: karalama - okunaksız yazı
• Urdu: مرغی لکھائی - ناقابلِ فہم تحریر
• Indonesian: tulisan ayam - tulisan jelek

Example Sentences

I can't read your chicken scratch.

basic

His notes look like chicken scratch.

basic

Please write clearly, not in chicken scratch.

basic

My doctor's handwriting is pure chicken scratch—I can't make out a single word.

natural

Don’t worry about my chicken scratch, I’m just jotting down ideas.

natural

When I'm in a rush, my handwriting turns into total chicken scratch.

natural