tattoo
B1Informal, semi-formal (when discussing art or culture), historical (military sense)
Definition
Meaning
a permanent design or mark made on the skin by inserting pigment into the dermis layer with needles
a design, pattern, or marking that resembles a tattoo, either natural or artificial; also refers to a military drum performance or signal (historical)
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily refers to body art; the military sense (evening drum signal) is archaic but still found in historical contexts and ceremonial names (e.g., Edinburgh Military Tattoo).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The military 'tattoo' is slightly more recognized in UK due to events like the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Connotations
Generally neutral; connotations depend on design, placement, and cultural context (e.g., artistic expression, rebellion, commemoration).
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties for the body art meaning.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Noun] tattootattoo of [Noun]tattoo on [body part]get/have [something] tattooedVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “wear one's heart on one's sleeve (figurative; a tattoo can be a literal version of this)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to the tattoo industry, parlour management, or dress code policies regarding visible tattoos.
Academic
Studied in anthropology, sociology, and art history as cultural practice and personal expression.
Everyday
Discussing personal body art, decisions about getting one, or noticing them on others.
Technical
In dermatology: procedures, ink composition, allergic reactions, removal techniques (laser).
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- She has a beautiful tattoo of a phoenix on her shoulder.
- The Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a spectacular annual performance.
American English
- His tattoo commemorates his time in the Marines.
- The tattoo parlor on Main Street does great work.
verb
British English
- He decided to tattoo his late grandfather's signature on his wrist.
- In the 18th century, sailors were often tattooed with symbols of their travels.
American English
- She tattooed the dates of her children's births along her ribcage.
- The artist specializes in tattooing realistic portraits.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I like your tattoo!
- She wants a small tattoo.
- He got his first tattoo when he was eighteen.
- Does that tattoo have a special meaning?
- The intricate detailing in the tattoo took over ten hours to complete.
- Some employers still have policies against visible tattoos.
- The anthropologist studied the traditional tattooing practices of the indigenous tribe.
- His body is a tapestry of tattoos, each narrating a chapter of his life.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Ta' (as in 'thank you') + 'too' (as in 'also'). You say 'ta' (thanks) for the art, and you might want one 'too'.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A CANVAS; LIFE EVENTS/MEMORIES ARE PERMANENT MARKS.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian 'тату' (informal, correct) or 'татуировка' (formal). The English word 'tattoo' covers both concepts. The military 'tattoo' has no direct Russian equivalent and is a borrowed term.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling: 'tatoo' (missing one 't').
- Using 'tattoo' as a verb without the correct structure: Incorrect: 'I will tattoo a dragon.' Correct: 'I will get a dragon tattooed.' or 'The artist will tattoo a dragon on me.'
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a common meaning of 'tattoo'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. As a noun: 'She has a tattoo.' As a verb: 'He was tattooed by a famous artist.'
'Studio' is often preferred as it sounds more professional and artistic. 'Parlour' is still common, especially in American English, but can have slightly old-fashioned connotations.
It's a method of tattooing done manually with a needle and ink, without using an electric tattoo machine. It's often associated with DIY or traditional techniques.
The body art meaning comes from Polynesian languages (e.g., Samoan 'tatau', Tahitian 'tatu'). The military meaning comes from Dutch 'taptoe', meaning 'turn off the taps' (of beer barrels), a signal for soldiers to return to barracks.