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Regret — we all experience it at one point or another, and nothing stirs up remorse quite like a bad tattoo. An estimated 32% of people in the United States have a tattoo, and about one-quarter of them may end up regretting their funny tattoos or wanting them removed.

Before getting a tattoo, most of us spend a long time picking the design, consulting with the tattoo artist, and choosing the perfect spot for our body art. The lesser part of the people get drunk, find a guitar string, some fountain pen ink, and presto — they now have a truly regrettable tattoo.

As far as we can tell there will never be a lack of tattoo fails nor a shortage of people willing to share their ugly tattoos. Bored Panda has added a new list of bad tattoos that either didn’t go as planned or will make you question what goes through people’s minds. 

From bad artists who didn’t quite nail it to bizarre artistic choices, scroll down below to see these cautionary tales of the worst tattoos ever!

#1

Some Guy Tried To Copy My Tattoo Artist's Work - Tattooed A Nipple On His Arm

Two images: one with a large chest tattoo, another badly copied tattoo on the arm, and also a tattooed nipple

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    #2

    Nice Tattoo, Dave

    A nonsense poem, lettering tattoo

    Hairy_Cheeks Report

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    Asia
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ha ha ha! What a great way to show your sense of humor. I wouldn't say this one is bad at all :D

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    #3

    This Guy's Haircut

    The face is tattooed on the man's back head, and hair left at eyebrows and mustaches place

    youdontknowimadog Report

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    KCN
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Holy smokes. Who wants to look over the top of an airline seat to see that face staring at him the whole flight?

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    When Do Tattoos Go Wrong?

    It usually starts with a bad design or a spur-of-the-moment decision. Imagine someone picking a tattoo on the fly, not thinking about how it’ll look years down the road or if it really suits them.

    Then, there’s the actual tattooing part. Things can go south if the artist isn’t… qualified, to say the least. You know, shaky lines, words spelled wrong, colors that blend into a muddy mess — basically, a great idea getting lost in the process.

    And let’s not forget aftercare. Tattoos need TLC to heal right. Skipping out on the care tips can lead to all sorts of trouble, like infections or a faded, sad-looking tattoo.

    And while you’re checking out these hilariously stupid tattoos, think about where it all went wrong. Was it a quirky idea that didn’t work, an artist’s slip, or maybe just bad luck in the healing process?

    #4

    Today I Learned That My Friend's Chinese Tattoo Literally Means "Turkey Sandwich"

    Chinese lettering tattoo on an arm that means ‘Turkey Sandwich’

    rebeccalmighty Report

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    Sophia Cai
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know some people have tattoos in Chinese, but when I read them it's like, EPIC FAIL.

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    #6

    El Señor Nippleriño

    A sombrero tattooed above the nipple and eyes and a smile tattooed on the nipple

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    How Common is Tattoo Regret?

    It turns out that tattoo regret is a real thing for quite a few people. In a Pew Research Center survey involving 8,480 adults, they found that about 24% of tattooed Americans have some regret about their ink. This isn't a tiny number, considering 32% of US adults have at least one tattoo.

    Interestingly, the level of regret varies among different groups. For instance, 30% of tattooed Hispanic adults reported some regret, compared to 23% of White and 21% of Black adults. 

    There also appears to be a slight variation in tattoo regret based on education levels. Those with some college or less education are more likely to regret their tattoos (25%) compared to those with higher educational levels (19%).

    This info helps put things into perspective, doesn't it? As you’re scrolling through these bad tattoo choices, it’s interesting to think that a good number of these people might be part of the 24% who regret their decision.

    #8

    Roar

    Sketchy linear black large tiger tattoo on chest and stomach

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    Chris Pitch
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Its the eye of the tiger...nope...hold on...I think that's a nose. or a penis

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    #9

    This Tiger Though

    Sketchy black badly executed large tiger tattoo on the back

    snake___pit Report

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    Asia
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You know nothing! This is mythical creature worshiped by ancient people of Siberia. Just kidding. This is abomination.

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    What to Do When You Get a Bad Tattoo?

    So, you’ve got a tattoo that didn’t turn out as awesome as you thought it would. Don’t sweat it! First off, give it some time — what seems like a disaster at first can grow on you. If not, you’ve got options.

    Cover-up tattoos are a popular choice. A skilled artist can work wonders, turning your regret into a piece you’re proud of. Laser tattoo removal is another route, though it’s pricier and takes several sessions. And hey, if it’s a small or simple mistake, sometimes a little touch-up is all you need.

    But remember, the best fix is prevention. Think long and hard about your design and artist choice before getting inked. And if you end up with a tattoo fail, don't be too hard on yourself. Everyone makes mistakes — yours just happens to be a bit more permanent!

    #11

    It's Supposed To Be A Galaxy

    Abstract color spot tattoo on chest

    blahblahblahokay Report

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    #14

    I Don't Even Have The Words To Explain This

    Ying Yang The Simpsons characters tattoo

    anyeus Report

    #15

    This Tattoo Was Apparently Supposed To Be Of “Stars”

    Many black dots chest tattoo

    macsimilian Report

    #16

    Maximum Facepalm

    ‘Believe in yourself and never lose hoop’ lettering tattoo on arm

    EDJE666 Report

    #17

    Third Into Fourth Always Gives Me Trouble

    Manual shifter numbers tattoo on wrist

    _TheArtOfWars_ Report

    #20

    Close, But Not Close Enough

    A compass showing false four cardinal directions tattoo on back

    PM-ME-YOUR-TITS-GIRL Report

    #21

    Dog Tits

    Dog tits tattoo on chest

    Yzre Report

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    Asia
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Okay, you got drunk and wanted a funny tattoo from your friend, also drunk... We get it. Now put your shirt back on. Thank you.

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    #22

    Turtle Head

    Realistic turtle head tattoo

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    criminalgirl
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Having a "turtle head" means something funny and seriously different in UK!!

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    #23

    The Bananas Threw Me For A Loop

    Four cats inside woman's belly tattoo

    Big_Miss_Steak_ Report

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    Mickey
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Say what you want but the tattoo is well done. A strange choice, but executed well.

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    #24

    Incredible Angelina's Jolie Portrait

    Badly executed Angelina's Jolie portrait tattoo

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    #25

    A Facebook Friend Wanted A Very Specific Tattoo, I Think The Artist Really Nailed It

    Black pine tree and flying birds tattoo

    u/SK2P1 Report

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    Lucida
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don''t people check up the tattoo artist's skills before getting in the tattoo artist's chair? The birds look like they were done by a five year old and the tree is just a lump of black ink.

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    #26

    So My Buddy's Step Sister Got A Tattoo Of Her Mother

    Badly executed mothers face tattoo

    Sirflow Report

    #27

    This Guy Got A Sunglasses Tattoo On His Face

    Sunglasses frame tattoo on face

    Matthew G Report

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    Ohio Hands
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nothing says "I dont care about ever having a good job" like a face tatt

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    #29

    The Girl With The Vegan Tattoo

    ‘Vegan’ lettering above right eyebrow tattoo

    pharmaninja Report

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    Lucida
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't believe she had to talk about her being vegan every five minutes (only when it was talk around food) but she definitely has to talk about her stupid tattoo every second minute.

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    #30

    Guy From High School Got The Same Tattoo As His Dog

    Male symbol with a line inside a circle tattoo on dog and on man's arm

    Chris Mendiola Report

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    Liz Mosby
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've never heard of tattooing for any reason. Why tattoo to show they're neutered, you can't tell by the balls missing?

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    #31

    My Poor Drunken Choice

    Badly executed Pikachu tattoo

    SaggyBeaver Report

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    Asia
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Great pooping face, Pika. Eat more healthy stuff, so your head wouldn't explode of the tension :D

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    #33

    A Girl I Went To High School With Has This On Her Upper Thigh

    Badly executed black tiger face and roses tattoo

    jennnnner Report

    #34

    Getting A Tattoo Of Your Newborn

    Badly executed babies face tattoo

    Petkevic29 Report

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    Ohio Hands
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Dude, why you got a picture of a sleeping Vizzini from Princess Bride on your back?

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    #35

    My Uncle's New Tattoo. Christmas Will Be Awkward This Year

    Color eagle face tattoo on man's forehead

    InfidelCB Report

    #36

    This Guy's Argyle Sock Tattoo

    Black argyle socks tattoo on man's legs

    lovegoldengirls Report

    #37

    Oh My

    Cut onion tattoo on woman's armpit

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    Dian Ella Lillie
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, it's an onion. Whew. For a moment I thought that this was some sort of kinky sex thing. Still... an onion?!

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    #40

    Impressive Dot Work, But Why?

    Stomach muscles in pointillism style tattoo on man

    lid-vicious Report

    #41

    I Think Thom Yorke Will Love It

    Thom Yorke's portrait tattoo on chest and his left eye a nipple

    reddit.com Report

    #44

    Dude Sure Loves His Turtle

    Nonsense poem lettering with man lifted turtle tattoo on forearm

    Clever_mudblood Report

    #45

    Interested In The Story Behind It

    Badly executed kid face with a sock in his mouth tattoo on forearm

    snake___pit Report

    #46

    My Mom's Ex Got A Tattoo Of Her After She Passed. I Guess I Never Realized My Mom Was An Asian Man, With 5 O'clock Shadow

    Badly executed woman's face tattoo

    kdbk11 Report

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    Dian Ella Lillie
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You mum will rest in peace, because her ex obviously had someone else tattooed on his arm.

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    #47

    Unfortunate Tattoo Placement In An Engagement Photo

    ‘Regret’ black lettering tattoo on woman's hand

    Firedyke89 Report

    #50

    “My Own Design”

    Black spiral tattoo

    mact3n Report

    #51

    Please Kill Me

    Badly executed kids portraits tattoos

    samusxmetroid Report

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    Lucida
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Again, don't you look up if the tattoo artist has any skills before you get tattooed?

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    #52

    Tiger Anatomy Continues To Baffle Artists, Survey Says

    Badly executed tiger right arm sleeve and chest tattoo

    ArtistStallion Report

    #53

    The Concept Looked So Promising

    Badly executed cross, lion and Italy map tattoo

    ibboRftw Report

    #55

    Yeah, Let’s Just Get A Spider Tattoo

    Black dark spider tattoo on the left side of man's head near ear

    fluffybigmac Report

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    phansfanta
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's actually an amazing tattoo work because he got all of the shadings and it really pops out of his face

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    #56

    Instagram Find. I Never Laughed So Hard At A Tattoo

    Jesus crucifixion forearm tattoo

    Yzre Report

    #57

    Friend On Facebook Seems Proud Of This Gem

    Badly executed strip dancer tattoo

    coreyjuliette Report

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    Dian Ella Lillie
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I always wonder why people think that Trump is wonderful, but then I see that some people think that tats like this are great, and I realise that it's a bizarre, warped perception problem...

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    #59

    Friend Bought A Tattoo Gun On Amazon For £100. Tattooed Darth Vader On Himself

    Badly executed Darth Vader tattoo

    reddit.com Report

    #62

    Ryan Gosling

    Black Ryan Gosling face and crab arms tattoo on arm

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    #63

    Leopard Print Or Little Hamburgers?

    Leopard spots and butterfly tattoo on left shoulder

    Lisasartbeat Report

    #64

    If Only Their Familey Had Warned Them

    Badly executed and not correctly written three rules tattoo

    gablerr Report

    #65

    This "Artist's" Work Comes Across My Facebook Feed Daily, Quite The Treasure Trove

    Badly executed fairy tattoo

    unicorn_for_lunch Report

    #67

    This Just Popped Up On Facebook

    Hilarious girl portrait tattoo

    reddit.com Report

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    #68

    Is It Just The Angle Or Does She Have A Pinocchio Arm?

    Badly executed sailor woman tattoo

    cellared Report

    #69

    Found On Tinder, Solid Left Swipe

    Badly executed praying bodybuilder angel tattoo

    AndGiraffes Report

    #71

    Sadly I'm Related To This Kid

    Devil horns tattoo on young man's forehead

    IMNOTASLAG Report

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    BlackestDawn
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    While definitely a "what was he thinking" type of tattoo (and they really should be higher up) I find them well made.

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    #72

    ICP Face Make-Up Tattoo. 100% Real

    Black ICP face tattoos on four man faces

    potter_in_hobbiton Report

    #73

    Spotted On The Chicago Subway. A Paw And Bow Tie, Or...

    Badly executed Hello Kitty tattoo

    lizanyah Report

    #74

    Will It Look Good When It's Done? And Yes, It's Real

    Badly executed blue and orange Ying Yang tattoo

    MorganMonsterBear Report

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    Asia
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How, how will it look good at any point? Well maybe if you cover it up with something professionally done :D

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    #75

    I've Got A Hunch That He Isn't, "Wrongfully Convicted." Call Me Crazy, But

    Lettering tattoos instead of eyebrows on young man

    IHeartCokeAndHookers Report

    #77

    Blurring The Line Between Art And Reality

    Badly executed lion couple tattoo

    Spoog_McDuck Report

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    #79

    Thus Beauty On Facebook Marketplace

    Badly executed wolf face tattoo

    Real_Clever_Username Report

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    Kjorn
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    so you pay me 30$ to get that tatoo? that's not enough add few zeros and maybe...

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    #84

    Was On A Dating Site And This Popped Up

    Badly executed radioactive sign and two snakes on sides tattoo on back

    DualSF Report

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    #88

    "Yeah, I Want A Full Sized Wrestling Championship Belt Tattooed Across My Stomach In Extreme Detail. Don't Worry About My Belly Button"

    Large world heavyweight belt tattoo on mans stomach and waist

    areckewey Report

    #89

    I See A Lot Of These On My Feed

    Badly executed large jelly fish tattoo

    Defrostmode Report

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    Paul K. Johnson
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People have tats of all types of animals, but this is the first one I've seen of the Taco Jellyfish.

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    #90

    Found This Butterface On A Local Shop's Instagram

    Color badly executed man in a red suit and moon tattoo

    Shock-Horror Report

    #92

    It Happened

    Crocs shoe tattoo

    snake___pit Report

    #93

    You Guys Remember The Movie Spirit, Right?

    Badly executed yellowish horse tattoo

    Keeblahbeth Report

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    StrangeStars
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes! I love that movie, one of my all time favourites...but ugh. That is one damn ugly tattoo.

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    #94

    A Tattoo Artist At A Well Known Store In My City Did This On Herself, And Posted It To Facebook. Everyone Loves It. Am I Crazy For Not Seeing What Everyone Else Sees?

    Badly executed woman's face tattoo

    Shesterikova Report

    #96

    All Eyes On You

    Badly executed eyes tattoo on man's back head

    snake___pit Report

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    #98

    When All You Want Is Long Hair

    Pony tail tattoo on man's spine

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    #99

    I Told Him Not To Do It, My Friend Got A Centipede Tattoo On The Face

    Centipede tattoo on young man's right side of the face

    saltus Report

    #100

    Another Gem

    Badly executed syringe tattoo

    unicorn_for_lunch Report

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    Data1001
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Stupid to go so far with it, but I suppose it's possible it could save his life one day. Seems easier to just wear a MedicAlert bracelet, though...

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    #102

    This Dope Tiger Face Tatt

    Tiger tattoo on woman's face

    CrayolaCat Report

    #103

    Rocky Dennis Tattoo

    Rocky Dennis tattoo

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    Asia
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is accurate to the original... But you need to know the inspiration to understand this one.

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    #104

    Once You Go Black

    Lettering and Africa map tattoo on back

    Pitboss2k Report

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    Aud Wey
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ok for the I love africa part, but, the caption at the top... If I remember, it's about...intercourse, right?

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    #105

    While We're Doing Teen Mom Tattoos. Here's Amber's Tattoo Of Her Daughter

    Realistic girls face and purple roses tattoo

    birdinspace Report

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    Beeps
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hve to say though, it’s probably *the* best child face tattoo in this entire post.

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    #106

    Don't People Know These Things Are Permanent?

    Lettering and audio control buttons tattoo on arm

    RhoosterDiesel Report

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    sunnyrei82
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nice idea... terrible drawing, and the colors look like a serious skin disease.

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    #109

    Found This Nightmare On Instagram

    Man's face covering his mouth and on hand mouth is drawn - crazy tattoo

    EaFree Report

    #110

    From A Legit Shop

    Badly executed German flag and diamond on top tattoo

    akcowboi Report

    #111

    Fancy Dinner, Anyone?

    Large red crab tattoo on shoulder and on chest

    Anthony Report

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    Asia
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why is this the "worst tattoo"? This is well made + fun placement...

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    #112

    Placement Fail

    Black brass knuckles tattoo on hand

    tattoogurken Report

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    sunnyrei82
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    that's not a real tattoo, right? Just drawing on yourself with markers during a boring class? Right?

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    And that’s a wrap on our tour of tattoo disasters! We can't help but wonder which ones made you laugh or cringe the hardest. Have a favorite (or should we say, the least favorite) from this list? Go ahead and give it an upvote.

    Better yet, drop us a comment and share your thoughts. Maybe you’ve got a tattoo story of your own to tell? We’re all ears!