10+ Slang Words for Tattoo [Meaning + Example]


Discover the Coolest Slang Words for Tattoos: Uncover trendy ink lingo and popular tattoo jargon used by ink enthusiasts and artists. Explore the hip lexicon of body art expressions and get inspired for your next tattoo masterpiece!

1. Ink

Meaning – a slang term for a tattoo, often used to refer to the process of getting a tattoo.

Example sentences:

  • He’s always adding more ink to his collection.
  • She’s getting some new ink on her forearm this weekend.
  • These artists have some serious ink skills.
  • My favorite ink is the one that tells a story.
  • He’s always showing off his ink at the beach.

2. Tat

Meaning – a shortened version of “tattoo”, often used informally.

Example sentences:

  • She’s always getting a new tat every few months.
  • He’s covered in tats from head to toe.
  • These tribal tats are all the rage right now.
  • My favorite tat is the one that has sentimental value.
  • They all got matching tats to commemorate their friendship.

3. Body Art

Meaning – a slang term for tattoos, often used to emphasize the artistic aspect of tattoos.

Example sentences:

  • He’s always getting new body art to express himself.
  • She’s a big fan of body art and loves to visit tattoo conventions.
  • These body art pieces are like walking canvases.
  • My favorite body art is the one that tells a personal story.
  • They all appreciate the beauty and creativity of body art.

4. Sleeves

Meaning – a slang term for a tattoo that covers a large portion of the arm, often from shoulder to wrist.

Example sentences:

  • He’s always adding more ink to his sleeves.
  • She’s getting a full sleeve tattoo done next month.
  • These traditional Japanese sleeves are a work of art.
  • My favorite sleeves are the ones that have intricate details and shading.
  • He’s always showing off his sleeves at the gym.

5. Tatt

Meaning – a shortened version of “tattoo”, often used informally.

Example sentences:

  • She’s getting a new tatt to celebrate her birthday.
  • He’s got some really cool tatts on his chest and back.
  • These minimalist tatts are all the rage right now.
  • My favorite tatt is the one that represents my favorite hobby.
  • They all have their own personal meaning behind their tatts.

6. Body Ink

Meaning – a slang term for tattoos, often used to emphasize the physical nature of tattoos as ink on the skin.

Example sentences:

  • He’s always experimenting with different types of body ink.
  • She’s planning to get more body ink done for her next vacation.
  • These colorful body inks are a form of self-expression.
  • My favorite body ink is the one that has a unique design or pattern.
  • They all appreciate the boldness and beauty of body ink.

6. Flash

Meaning – a slang term for pre-designed tattoos that are available for immediate tattooing.

Example sentences:

  • He’s getting a flash tattoo of a classic anchor on his forearm.
  • She loves the flash tattoos of intricate mandalas and geometric patterns.
  • These flash tattoos are great for spontaneous decisions.
  • My favorite flash tattoo is the one that has a vintage or retro vibe to it.
  • They all got matching flash tattoos at the tattoo parlor.

7. Scribble

Meaning – a slang term for a tattoo that has a rough or sketchy appearance.

Example sentences:

  • He loves the scribble tattoos that look like they were drawn by hand.
  • She’s getting a scribble tattoo of her dog’s paw print on her ankle.
  • These scribble tattoos have a unique and artistic appearance.
  • My favorite scribble tattoo is the one that has a personal meaning behind it.
  • They all appreciate the playful and experimental nature of scribble tattoos.

8. Piece

Meaning – a slang term for a tattoo that covers a large area of the body, often with multiple designs or images.

Example sentences:

  • He’s planning to get a full back piece with a nature scene and animals.
  • She’s already got a half sleeve piece with roses and a skull.
  • These full body pieces are a commitment, but worth the investment.
  • My favorite piece is the one that has a cohesive theme or story.
  • They all admire the artistry and dedication that goes into a full piece.

8. Tat session

Meaning – a slang term for a period of time spent getting multiple tattoos in one sitting.

Example sentences:

  • He’s planning to have a tat session with his favorite tattoo artist next weekend.
  • She spent all day at the tattoo shop for a tat session that covered her entire leg.
  • These tat sessions can be intense, but the end result is worth it.
  • My favorite tat session was the one where I added multiple small tattoos to my collection.
  • They all plan on having a tat session together to commemorate a special event.

9. Stick and poke

Meaning – a slang term for a DIY method of tattooing using a needle and ink, often done in a non-professional setting.

Example sentences:

  • He’s got a few stick and poke tattoos on his fingers and wrists.
  • She tried her hand at stick and poke and ended up with a small heart on her ankle.
  • These stick and poke tattoos can be risky, but can also be a fun way to experiment with tattoos.
  • My favorite stick and poke tattoo is the one that has a simple and minimalist design.
  • They all have a few stick and poke tattoos that were done with friends at home.

10. Cover up

Meaning – a slang term for a tattoo that is designed to cover up an existing tattoo or scar.

Example sentences:

  • He’s getting a cover up tattoo to hide a poorly done tattoo from his teenage years.
  • She’s getting a cover up tattoo to disguise a scar from a surgery.
  • These cover up tattoos require a skilled artist to blend the design seamlessly.
  • My favorite cover up tattoo is the one that turns an old mistake into a work of art.
  • They all admire the creativity and transformation that comes with a good cover up tattoo.

11. Sleeve work

Meaning – a slang term for the process of getting a full sleeve tattoo or the overall look of a completed sleeve tattoo.

Example sentences:

  • He’s excited to start his sleeve work and collaborate with his favorite tattoo artist on the design.
  • She’s impressed by the intricate sleeve work on her friend’s arm.
  • These sleeve works can be a representation of the wearer’s personal journey or interests.
  • My favorite sleeve work is the one that has a cohesive theme and color scheme.
  • They all appreciate the dedication and commitment required to complete a full sleeve work.

12. Stick

Meaning – a slang term for a tattoo, often used in reference to the traditional hand-poked method of tattooing.

Example sentences:

  • He’s got a stick tattoo of a snake on his ankle.
  • She loves the organic look of stick tattoos and has a few on her arms and chest.
  • These stick tattoos are often done by indigenous or traditional tattoo artists.
  • My favorite stick tattoo is the one that has a cultural or historical significance.
  • They all appreciate the craftsmanship and skill required to create a stick tattoo.

13. Gun

Meaning – a slang term for a tattoo machine, which is used to apply tattoos with precision and speed.

Example sentences:

  • He’s fascinated by the intricate workings of a tattoo gun and has considered becoming a tattoo artist himself.
  • She’s impressed by the speed and accuracy of the tattoo gun used by her favorite tattoo artist.
  • These tattoo guns have evolved over time and come in different shapes and sizes for different purposes.
  • My favorite tattoo gun is the one that is reliable and easy to use.
  • They all understand the importance of proper sterilization and safety measures when using a tattoo gun.

Wrap Up

I hope you find the article “Slang Words for Tattoo” helpful.

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