What is it about Papyrus that makes it the ugliest typeface in the free world? I can’t quite put my finger on it. But here is a start:
1 - Its ubiquitousness (yes, I know that is not really a word). I have seen this typeface used on logos for companies from construction to scrapbooking. I have seen it on so many day spas that I am wondering if Congress has passed a law mandating its usage for such businesses. It is so universal that I am crossing my fingers the MOMA does not create a Papyrus retrospective. (And please, no documentary films, either.)
2 - The roughened effect on the type is what makes it so, er, distinctive. I think that is why so many people are drawn to it. I’m sorry, but roughened type became passe in the Fall of 2004 (okay, I just made up that date).
3 - The letterforms are hideous. Look at the gangly descenders on the g and y. I know the type is based on handwritten text, but the handwriting is neither elegant, nor attractive.
4 - A follow up to 3, I think the thing that bugs me the most is that the type has not been designed tight enough to look like a refined, non-handwritten typeface, yet it is not loose enough to pass as pseudo handwriting either. It is in typographic “No Man’s Land.” The typeface is completely unauthentic. Its pretended association with papyri is especially revolting.

So, does Papyrus have an upside? Well, here are a few “positives”:
1 - It looks great with most styles of clip art.
2 - It is one of the first font choices for a “desktop publisher.”
3 - It is cutely sophisticated and sophisticatedly cute.

I am almost to the point where I would like to start a club to combat its use. Or maybe a club whose membership requires that you have never set anything in Papyrus.

Please, someone design a typeface that appeals to everyone, that can be used on everything, that is not hideous. Oh, wait, that’s already been done: Helvetica.