Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
A crayon is a small colored stick used for writing, drawing, and coloring. It is typically made of colored pigment mixed with wax, chalk, or clay.
Literal Definition
The Noun: A writing tool made of pigmented wax or chalk. Children often use them because they are safe, non-toxic, and easy to hold.
The Verb: The act of drawing or coloring something with a crayon. For example: "She decided to crayon the picture."
Word Origin
The word comes from the 17th-century French word crayon, which simply means "pencil". The French word itself comes from craie, which means "chalk".
Cultural and Slang Meanings
Outside of art class, "crayon" can have a few different meanings depending on the context:
Military Slang ("Crayon Eater"): In the United States military, "crayon eater" is a popular, lighthearted joke used to describe members of the U.S. Marine Corps. It playfully implies that Marines are tough and brave but perhaps simple-minded.
Financial/Internet Slang: On websites like Reddit, stock and crypto traders often talk about "eating crayons" or "drawing with crayons." This means they are making simple, non-expert guesses on financial charts instead of professional analysis.
Symbol of Diversity: The phrase "a box of crayons" is often used as a metaphor for a group of diverse people working together in harmony. Every color is different, but they all fit in the same box.
A crayon is a small colored stick used for writing, drawing, and coloring. It is typically made of colored pigment mixed with wax, chalk, or clay.
Literal Definition
The Noun: A writing tool made of pigmented wax or chalk. Children often use them because they are safe, non-toxic, and easy to hold.
The Verb: The act of drawing or coloring something with a crayon. For example: "She decided to crayon the picture."
Word Origin
The word comes from the 17th-century French word crayon, which simply means "pencil". The French word itself comes from craie, which means "chalk".
Cultural and Slang Meanings
Outside of art class, "crayon" can have a few different meanings depending on the context:
Military Slang ("Crayon Eater"): In the United States military, "crayon eater" is a popular, lighthearted joke used to describe members of the U.S. Marine Corps. It playfully implies that Marines are tough and brave but perhaps simple-minded.
Financial/Internet Slang: On websites like Reddit, stock and crypto traders often talk about "eating crayons" or "drawing with crayons." This means they are making simple, non-expert guesses on financial charts instead of professional analysis.
Symbol of Diversity: The phrase "a box of crayons" is often used as a metaphor for a group of diverse people working together in harmony. Every color is different, but they all fit in the same box.
