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34 Times People That Could Read In Foreign Languages Had To Just Laugh At These Terrible Tattoo Choices
Like Ariana Grande has shown, nobody is safe when it comes to inking yourself with foreign languages. Not even high-profile celebrities. Using Japanese Kanji symbols, the performer intended for the design to read "7 Rings" but it ended up saying "small charcoal grill" or "BBQ".
Turns out, these mistakes are relatively common. Whether it's because the client can't be bothered with actual research or a slip of the tattoo artist's hand, there are pictures of people "wearing" designs in honor of toilet demons and sexual fantasies. And Bored Panda has collected the funniest ones. So scroll down, enjoy the images, and upvote your faves.
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Well That’s Just Unfortunate…
Tattoo artist Lauren Harper said although she can't speak for everyone in the industry, judging from what she sees online, these designs seem pretty popular.
"I would have to say that, unfortunately, the client is probably responsible if these tattoos go wrong," Harper told Bored Panda. "They sign a waiver agreeing to the spelling of the tattoo and if the artist doesn't speak the language they're requesting, it's definitely on them to make sure it's correct."
Why Human Translation Is Valuable
This one has been making the rounds. Apparently, this young lady wanted to surprise her boyfriend with a tattoo that reads “I love you”. Instead, it reads “Babylon is one of the world’s leading dictionary and translation programs”
As with any tattoo, Harper suggests people do their research before sitting down to get a foreign language one. "Hopefully, they might know someone who speaks or writes the language they'd like tattooed so they can confirm, if not, there's always the Internet to turn to! Forums, Google translate. Although these avenues definitely come with their own set of risks that clients are hopefully aware of," she said, smiling.
Kevin Blankinship, a professor of Arabic at Brigham Young University, regularly gets requests to verify tattoos or to admire the ones people already have. He doesn't think proper grammar is the most important thing when it comes to inking yourself. "Laughing at tattoo 'fails' has become a favorite pastime of academic linguists and internet trolls," Blankinship said after recalling one mishap. "For them, blunders of spelling and meaning betray a vapid, commodified globalism that forever marks the victims. But for thousands of people—including my yoga teacher—getting a foreign script etched onto the skin is part of a universal search for significance and sentimental attachment. People risk embarrassment because foreign-language tattoos give them a permanent invitation to contemplate cultures and ideas beyond their own."
According to the professor, that effort can still succeed even if the tattoos have errors.
I Meeeeeean…
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Much Appreciated
This is a particularly cruel prank. What this actually says is “ana mu’affan”, “I am rotten”.
They Certainly Were “Taken Advantage Of”
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Her Tattoo Says "Fresh Spring Rolls" In Thai
“A Queef Perhaps”, Indeed
Never Use A Hungry Tattoo Artist…
Chinese Tattoos Gone Wrong
Shout Out To This Mexican Tattoo Artist
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Well that's an image that might finally get the US election out of my mind. Thanks :P
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I'd add wings, using the characters as the body, transform it into a butterfly
Today I Learned That My Friends Chinese Tattoo Literally Means "Turkey Sandwich"
Maybe She’s Into Grilling…
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Heavily Smitten, I Guess?
Starting to think it's the norm for tattoo artists to put what they really think of you when you chose symbols you know nothing of
This Person Will Never Need To Struggle Ordering In A Chinese Restaurant Again
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He made the tattoo. Did he think he'd get lucky & it would be an actual word?
It Like Literally Says This Is Tattoo Hahaha
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Boastful Rice Village (He Thought It Was His Daughter's Name)
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Carbs Are Important
So, supposedly this was supposed to be Qi, a primal force of life in eastern philosophy. What it says is “rice”. How did that happen? If we were to guess, it’s because in traditional Chinese, the lower component of the Qi character 氣 is similar (but not identical) to rice 米
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Ooh, Yolanda Sounds Like A Freak
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Protip: When Getting A Tattoo In Another Language, Make Sure It's Not Upside Down.
For all y’all Aussies or whatever following the US election, I’m so sorry. It’s not my fault.
If trump wins I might just quit the internet. I can't handle another 4 years of content related to him.
Load More Replies...Serves themselves right for not researching the meanings before getting them tattooed.
Or naming their kids. Someone was gonna name their kid two syllables they thought sounded unique and pretty. In the actual language? It's not a word used in polite company.
Load More Replies...If you want to have a tattoo in foreign language, consult at least three native speakers independently. That way, a chance for mean person would be lowered.
For all y’all Aussies or whatever following the US election, I’m so sorry. It’s not my fault.
If trump wins I might just quit the internet. I can't handle another 4 years of content related to him.
Load More Replies...Serves themselves right for not researching the meanings before getting them tattooed.
Or naming their kids. Someone was gonna name their kid two syllables they thought sounded unique and pretty. In the actual language? It's not a word used in polite company.
Load More Replies...If you want to have a tattoo in foreign language, consult at least three native speakers independently. That way, a chance for mean person would be lowered.