Graffiti vs. Hieroglyphics — What's the Difference?

Graffiti (both singular and plural; the singular graffito is rarely used except in archeology) is writing or drawings made on a wall or other surface, usually without permission and within public view. Graffiti ranges from simple written words to elaborate wall paintings, and has existed since ancient times, with examples dating back to ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, and the Roman Empire.Graffiti is a controversial subject.

Of, relating to, or being a system of writing, such as that of ancient Egypt, in which pictorial symbols are used to represent meaning or sounds or a combination of meaning and sound.

Writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on a wall or other surface in a public place

Written with such symbols.

Write or draw graffiti on (something)

Difficult to read or decipher.

Drawings or inscriptions made on a wall or other surface, usually without permission and so as to be seen by the public.

A hieroglyph.

Drawings or words drawn on a surface in a public place, usually made without authorization.

Often hieroglyphics (used with a sing. or pl. verb) Hieroglyphic writing, especially that of the ancient Egyptians.

Informal inscriptions, figure drawings, etc., as opposed to official inscriptions.

Something, such as illegible or undecipherable writing, that is felt to resemble a hieroglyph.

(transitive) To mark a surface with such images.

Plural of hieroglyphic

Inscriptions, figure drawings, etc., found on the walls of ancient sepulchers or ruins, as in the Catacombs, or at Pompeii.

Any writings or drawings on a surface in a public place, placed there without authorization of the owner of the object on which it is written. Such graffiti are usually unwelcome, and are considered as form of vandalism.

A rude decoration inscribed on rocks or walls