Top 43 Slang For Written – Meaning & Usage

Written communication has its own set of slang and terms that can sometimes leave people scratching their heads. But fear not, we’ve got you covered. Our team has put together a list of the most popular and trendy slang for written communication that will have you texting and typing like a pro in no time. So, get ready to up your word game and impress your friends with these cool new phrases!

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1. Scribble

Scribbling is a casual and hasty way of jotting down information or ideas. It often implies a lack of organization or neatness.

For example, “I quickly scribbled down the phone number before I forgot.”
In a meeting, someone might scribble notes on a piece of paper to capture important points.
A student might scribble notes in the margin of their textbook while studying.

2. Jot down

Jotting down refers to the act of quickly and briefly writing down information or ideas. It implies a more organized and deliberate approach compared to scribbling.

For instance, “I need to jot down the main points of the presentation.”
In a brainstorming session, participants might jot down their ideas on sticky notes.
A journalist might jot down quotes from an interview to use in their article.

3. Pen

Using “pen” as a verb means to write or compose something. It can refer to the act of physically writing with a pen or the act of creating a written work.

For example, “He penned a heartfelt letter to his loved ones.”
A writer might pen a novel, a poem, or an article.
In a diary entry, someone might pen their thoughts and reflections.

4. Note

When someone notes something, they make a written observation or comment about it. It can involve writing down important information or simply making a brief record.

For instance, “I noted down the key points from the lecture.”
A researcher might note important findings in their lab notebook.
In a meeting, someone might note down action items for follow-up.

5. Draft

A draft refers to an early version or preliminary form of a written work. It often implies that the work is not yet final and may undergo revisions or edits.

For example, “I need to work on my draft before submitting the final version.”
A writer might share their draft with a trusted friend for feedback.
In the publishing industry, authors often go through multiple drafts before their work is ready for publication.

6. Script

A script refers to the written text of a play, movie, or television show. It includes dialogue, stage directions, and other instructions for actors and production staff.

For example, a film director might say, “We need to make some changes to the script before we start shooting.”
A theater actor might ask, “Do you have a copy of the script for me to study?”
A screenwriter might say, “I just finished writing a script for a new TV series.”

7. Copy

In the context of written language, “copy” refers to any written material that is meant to be published or distributed, such as articles, advertisements, or website content.

For instance, a copywriter might say, “I need to write some catchy copy for this new product.”
A marketing manager might ask, “Who is responsible for writing the copy for our upcoming campaign?”
A journalist might mention, “I need to submit my copy by the end of the day.”

8. Compose

To compose means to create or write something, typically a piece of written work such as a poem, song, or essay.

For example, a music teacher might say, “I want you to compose your own song for the next class.”
A student might ask, “How long does it take you to compose a novel?”
A poet might mention, “I find it easier to compose poetry when I’m in a quiet and peaceful environment.”

9. Inscription

An inscription refers to a short piece of writing or words that are engraved or written on a surface, such as a monument, coin, or book.

For instance, a historian might say, “The inscription on this ancient artifact provides valuable information about the civilization.”
A person visiting a memorial might read an inscription that says, “In loving memory of those who sacrificed their lives.”
A book collector might be interested in the inscription found on the first page of an old book.

10. Transcribe

To transcribe means to write down or record spoken or written words in a written form.

For example, a secretary might say, “I need to transcribe the minutes of the meeting.”
A researcher might mention, “I transcribed the interviews to analyze the data.”
A language student might ask, “Can you help me transcribe this audio recording into text?”

11. Record

In the context of slang for written, “record” refers to a written document or piece of information. It can also be used as a verb, meaning to write something down or make a note of it.

For example, “I’ll keep a record of all the expenses.”
In a discussion about historical events, someone might say, “According to the record, the battle took place in 1865.”
A student might ask, “Can I record what the teacher is saying in class?”

12. Memo

A memo is a short written message or note that is used for internal communication within an organization or company. It is often used to convey important information or instructions to employees.

For instance, “I received a memo from my boss about the upcoming meeting.”
In a workplace setting, someone might say, “I’ll send you a memo with all the details.”
A manager might write a memo to their team, saying, “Please review the memo I sent earlier for important updates.”

13. Pencil in

To “pencil in” something means to tentatively or provisionally schedule it. It implies that the plan is subject to change and is not yet set in stone.

For example, “Let’s pencil in a meeting for next week and confirm the date later.”
When discussing future plans, someone might say, “I’ll pencil you in for dinner on Friday.”
A person might ask, “Can you pencil me in for a haircut next Tuesday?”

14. Scrawl

In the context of slang for written, “scrawl” refers to messy or illegible handwriting. It can also be used as a verb, meaning to write something quickly and carelessly.

For instance, “I can’t read this scrawl, can you rewrite it?”
When describing someone’s handwriting, you might say, “Their notes are always a scrawl.”
A student might complain, “I had to scrawl down the answers because I ran out of time.”

15. Author

In slang for written, “author” is used as a verb to mean to write or create something, especially a book or piece of literature.

For example, “She authored several best-selling novels.”
When discussing the process of writing, someone might say, “I’m currently authoring a new screenplay.”
A writer might ask, “Who will be authoring the next article for our magazine?”

16. Text

This refers to sending a written message electronically, usually through a mobile phone or computer. It can also be used as a noun to refer to the message itself.

For example, “I’ll text you when I get home.”
A person might ask, “Did you get my text?”
Someone might say, “I sent him a text, but he hasn’t replied yet.”

17. Type up

This means to create or compose a written document using a keyboard or typewriter. It is often used when referring to typing up a report, essay, or any other written work.

For instance, “I need to type up my notes from the meeting.”
A student might say, “I’ll type up my essay tonight.”
A person might ask, “Can you type up this document for me?”

18. Dictate

This means to speak out loud while someone writes down what is being said. It is often used when referring to transcribing spoken words into written form.

For example, “The author dictated the manuscript to his assistant.”
A person might say, “I’ll dictate the email, and you can type it.”
A secretary might ask, “Do you want me to dictate this letter for you?”

19. Edit

This refers to the process of reviewing and making changes to a written document in order to improve clarity, accuracy, or style. It can involve correcting grammar or spelling errors, reorganizing paragraphs, or rewriting sentences.

For instance, “I need to edit this article before it’s published.”
A student might say, “Can you edit my paper for me?”
An editor might suggest, “I think we should edit this paragraph for better flow.”

20. Proofread

This means to carefully read through a written document in order to find and correct any errors, such as spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or punctuation errors. It is often done as a final step before publishing or submitting the document.

For example, “Make sure to proofread your resume before sending it.”
A person might say, “I’ll proofread the report to catch any typos.”
An editor might suggest, “I’ll give it a final proofread before we send it out.”

21. Penmanship

This term refers to the art or skill of writing by hand. It often implies a focus on legibility, style, and aesthetics.

For example, a teacher might say, “Your penmanship has improved since the beginning of the school year.”
A person might compliment someone’s handwriting by saying, “You have beautiful penmanship.”
In a discussion about calligraphy, someone might ask, “What tips do you have for improving penmanship?”

22. Correspond

In the context of written communication, “correspond” means to exchange letters, messages, or emails with someone.

For instance, a pen pal might say, “We’ve been corresponding for years and have become great friends.”
In a business setting, someone might mention, “I corresponded with the client via email to clarify the details.”
A person might ask, “Do you correspond with anyone from your old school?”

23. Transpose

In the context of writing, “transpose” means to move or switch the order or position of words, letters, or phrases within a text.

For example, a teacher might explain, “When you transpose two letters in a word, it can change the entire meaning.”
A writer might say, “I need to transpose these paragraphs to improve the flow of the story.”
In a discussion about music, someone might ask, “Can you transpose this song from C major to G major?”

24. Scribe

This term refers to someone who writes, especially in a professional or skilled capacity. It can also be used to describe a person who copies or transcribes texts.

For instance, a medieval scribe would meticulously copy manuscripts by hand.
In a modern context, a journalist might say, “As a scribe, it’s my job to report on current events.”
A person might ask, “Are you a scribe for a publishing company?”

25. Autograph

An autograph is a person’s handwritten signature, often given as a sign of personal endorsement or as a memento.

For example, a fan might ask, “Can I have your autograph?” when meeting a celebrity.
A collector might say, “I have an autographed copy of that author’s book.”
In a discussion about sports memorabilia, someone might mention, “The value of a baseball card increases if it has the player’s autograph.”

26. Manuscript

A manuscript refers to a handwritten or typed document that is not yet published. It is often used to refer to a draft or an early version of a book or a play.

For example, a writer might say, “I just finished editing my manuscript and sent it to my editor.”
In the literary world, a publisher might ask, “Do you accept unsolicited manuscripts?”
A reader might comment on a book review, “I can’t wait to read the final manuscript.”

27. Notate

To notate means to write down or make a written record of something. It is often used in formal or academic contexts to indicate the act of recording information.

For instance, a student might say, “I need to notate the key points from this lecture.”
A musician might instruct their bandmates, “Make sure to notate the dynamics in the sheet music.”
In a meeting, someone might ask, “Can someone notate the action items discussed?”

28. Post

To post means to publish or share something online, typically on a website or a social media platform. It can refer to written content, images, videos, or any other form of digital media.

For example, a user might say, “I’m going to post a photo of my vacation on Instagram.”
A blogger might write, “I just posted a new article on my website.”
In a discussion forum, someone might comment, “Please read the guidelines before you post.”

29. Blog

A blog is an online platform where individuals or groups regularly share their thoughts, opinions, and experiences. It typically consists of written entries or posts that are displayed in reverse chronological order.

For instance, a blogger might say, “I’ve been writing my blog for five years now.”
A reader might comment, “I love reading your blog. Your posts are always so insightful.”
In a conversation about online content, someone might ask, “Do you have a favorite blog you follow?”

30. Doodle

To doodle means to make spontaneous and often unconscious drawings or scribbles while bored or preoccupied. It is usually done absentmindedly and can take various forms, such as simple shapes, patterns, or random lines.

For example, a student might say, “I always doodle in the margins of my notebook during class.”
A bored office worker might doodle on a notepad during a long meeting.
In an art class, a teacher might encourage their students to “let your mind wander and doodle freely.”

31. Letter

A written or printed communication addressed to a person or organization. It is usually sent by mail or email.

For example, “I received a letter from my pen pal in Japan.”
A person might say, “I need to write a letter of recommendation for my friend.”
Another might ask, “Did you get my letter about the meeting next week?”

32. Message

A piece of information that is sent or communicated to someone, usually through electronic means like text messaging or social media.

For instance, “I received a message from my boss about the upcoming deadline.”
A person might say, “I’m just leaving you a quick message to let you know I’ll be late.”
Another might ask, “Did you get my message about dinner tonight?”

33. Write-up

A written account or description of something, often in a formal or professional context.

For example, “I need to finish my write-up for the research project.”
A person might say, “I read a great write-up about the latest fashion trends.”
Another might ask, “Can you help me with the write-up for the presentation?”

34. Scroll

To look through a text or website, usually by scrolling on a computer or mobile device.

For instance, “I spent hours scrolling through social media last night.”
A person might say, “I need to scroll through this article to find the information I’m looking for.”
Another might ask, “Have you scrolled through the comments on that post?”

35. Report

A written or verbal account of something, often providing information or findings on a specific topic.

For example, “I need to submit my report on the market analysis.”
A person might say, “I read a report about the impact of climate change on the economy.”
Another might ask, “Did you finish the report for the meeting?”

36. Essay

An essay is a short piece of writing on a particular subject. It is often used in academic settings and requires the writer to present their arguments or opinions on a specific topic.

For example, a student might say, “I have to write an essay on the causes of climate change.”
In a literature class, a teacher might assign an essay analyzing a novel or play.
An essayist might write, “In my essay, I explore the concept of love in Shakespeare’s sonnets.”

37. Lettering

Lettering refers to the art or practice of creating decorative letters, often by hand. It involves creating elaborate and stylized characters, often used in design, calligraphy, or typography.

For instance, a graphic designer might say, “I specialize in lettering for logos and branding.”
A calligrapher might showcase their lettering skills by creating intricate designs with a pen and ink.
An artist might incorporate lettering into their illustrations or paintings to add a unique visual element.

38. Transcription

Transcription is the act of converting spoken language into written form. It is often used in fields such as journalism, legal proceedings, or medical documentation.

For example, a court reporter might transcribe the dialogue during a trial.
A journalist might transcribe an interview to accurately quote the speaker.
A medical transcriptionist might listen to a doctor’s dictation and transcribe it into a patient’s medical record.

39. Inscribe

To inscribe means to write or carve words or symbols onto a surface. It is often used in the context of engraving or marking something with a permanent message.

For instance, a jeweler might inscribe a personal message on a piece of jewelry.
An artist might inscribe their signature on a painting or sculpture.
A historian might study inscriptions on ancient artifacts to decipher their meaning.

40. Type

To type means to input text using a keyboard. It is a common term used in the digital age to refer to the act of writing or entering information on a computer or other electronic device.

For example, a student might say, “I need to type my essay before the deadline.”
In a professional setting, a secretary might type up meeting minutes.
A blogger might spend hours typing out a new blog post.

41. Pen down

To write something down or put it into written form. This phrase is often used to emphasize the act of physically writing with a pen.

For example, “I need to pen down my thoughts before I forget them.”
A teacher might say, “Take out your notebooks and pen down the assignment.”
In a creative writing class, a professor might instruct, “Pen down a short story based on your personal experiences.”

42. Write up

To write a detailed report or summary of something. This phrase is commonly used in professional or academic settings.

For instance, “I need to write up the meeting minutes and distribute them to the team.”
A student might say, “I have to write up a lab report for my science class.”
In a workplace, a manager might ask, “Can you write up a summary of the project for the stakeholders?”

43. List

To write or create a list of items, often in a specific order or format. This term is commonly used when organizing or categorizing information.

For example, “I need to list all the ingredients for the recipe.”
A teacher might say, “List the steps to solve the math problem.”
In a brainstorming session, a group might list ideas on a whiteboard.