Slab serifs are typefaces with thick rectangular serifs, as heavy as the stem, and very low contrast. They appeared at the beginning of the 19th century with the industrial revolution and are also called "Egyptians".
Where to see it
Slab serifs can be seen on "Wanted" posters from westerns and in 19th-century advertising. Rockwell, Clarendon and Courier belong to this family, and the Sony logotype is based on a design close to Clarendon.
Why this detail matters
Slab serifs have a sturdy and easily recognizable character:
- Their massive serifs give them a very strong presence, ideal for posters;
- They evoke industry, solidity and sometimes a certain nostalgia;
- Their low contrast makes them hold up well in print as well as on screen.
Related term
Monospace typefaces also include slab serifs, such as Courier, inherited from the typewriter.