Cougan's definitions

scarecase

A rendering technique for words or phrases that alternates upper- and lowercase letters to create ironic distance between the author and subject, to mock/criticize the subject, or for an otherwise similar satirical effect. Often used to mock common or overused phrases, especially ones the author disagrees with. Named party as a variation on "scare quotes," and for its similarity to staircase, due to the sometimes stair step quality created visually. Note that it doesn't have to be strictly one case followed the other; the most important thing is that it creates a distorted, jarring visual to critically highlight what is being typed.

The following sentence uses scarecase to emphasize how silly the author thinks the phrase is: "I agree with all of that candidate's policies, but I won't vote for him because, for reasons I refuse to explain, hE mAkEs mY sKiN cRaWL!!!!!!!!!!"

by Cougan June 22, 2021