Tattoo Dictionary

Here are the top twenty-five tattoo terms as well as their meanings.

1. Aftercare:  This refers to the treatment and care for your tattoo area within the first couple weeks after receiving a new tattoo.



2. Armband Tattoo:  This is a narrow tattoo that is designed to wrap around the upper arm.



3. Cosmetic Tattoo:  These tattoos are used to hide personal skin defects, sometimes after surgery.



4. Flash:  Tattoo flash is generic tattoo art that can be purchased for use.



5. Granulomas:  Sometimes small nodules, called granulomas, will form around the tattoo site as a reaction to the ink.



6. Hematoma:  This refers to bruising that may occur after the tattoo is applied.



7. Ink:  Another term for a tattoo.  This also refers to the ink or pigment that is used for creating tattoos.



8. Inked:  This is a slang word for being tattooed.



9. Laser Removal:  A tattoo removal process that requires multiple appointments and often costs at least a couple hundred dollars.



10. Old School Tattoos:  These tattoos are generally bold colors and are of two-dimensional images.



11. Pigment:  The pigment refers to the color in the tattoo ink.



12. Portfolio:  A tattoo artist’s portfolio will contain photos of previous tattoos that they have applied.



13. Scratcher:  This is a slang term for an inexperienced tattoo artist.



14. Suit:  This refers to covering the majority of your body with tattoo art.



15. Tat:  A slang word for tattoo.



16. Tattoo Artist:  This is the person who actually applies the tattoo.  In some states, tattoo artists are required to be registered or certified with the state.



17. Tattoo Gun:  This is an instrument used for applying a tattoo (this word sometimes has a negative connotation).



18. Tattoo Ink:  Tattoo ink comes in approximately fifty different colors and is often tinted using heavy metals such as cobalt.



19. Tattoo Iron:  Another term for the instrument used for applying a tattoo (this word often has a positive connotation).



20. Tattoo Parlor:  This is the location where a tattoo artist works.



21. Tattoo:  This is a decorative form of art where ink is applied beneath the skin for a permanent image.



22. Tebori:  This is an ancient method of applying a tattoo by hand.



23. Temporary Tattoo:  This is usually a rub-on tattoo that will last between 1 – 21 days and is easily removable.



24. Tramp Stamp:  This is a derogatory term sometimes used to refer to a tattoo located on the lower back of a woman.



25. Tribal tattoo:  A tribal tattoo is one of the more popular tattoo styles today and can be based on one of many ancient cultures.