Graffiti

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Graffiti

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun

Pronunciation

gruh-FEE-tee  /ɡrəˈfiːti/

Definition

Writing or drawings made on a wall or other surface, usually without permission and in a public place; used both as an art form and as a political, gang, or personal expression.

Plain meaning

Graffiti is writing or art made on public walls and surfaces without permission — ranging from simple tags and crude markings to elaborate murals that are considered significant artworks.

Register

Neutral in general description. Contested in its cultural evaluation — graffiti is simultaneously described as vandalism by those who oppose it and as legitimate art or political expression by those who support it. The word itself is grammatically interesting: graffiti is technically the Italian plural, but it is used as an uncountable noun in English — graffiti covers the wall rather than the graffiti cover the wall.