An Examination of Reader Responses to Grawlixes

Abstract

Using taboo words is often perceived negatively in polite conversation, and methods are used to substitute for taboo words in media messages to protect vulnerable populations, such as children. Grawlixes are the nonsense symbols (e.g., #@$%*!) used to replace taboo words in written messages. Despite their popularity and common use, there has been a lack of empirical research examining their relation to taboo words. It was found that although participants were able to associate grawlix symbols with taboo word referents, messages with taboo words, grawlixes, or non-taboo words did not differ significantly in perceived negative emotional valence or emotional intensity. The study found limited support that grawlixes have higher recall than non-taboo words, but also found that contrary to predictions, non-taboo words had higher recall than taboo words.