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Who said tattoos can only be in the form of drawings or symbols? A lot of tattoo designs consist of words and phrases that are as beautiful to the eye as the most intricate ink painting. Word tattoos are as powerful as any other image you might want to put on your skin. And come to think of it, letters are also symbols, so if you are thinking of getting a word or a phrase tattoo, go for it! 

Meaningful word tattoos can convey a lot of things: a name, a place, or a saying that turned your life around. When looking for ideas for word tattoos, make sure it is about you and not some random word or expression. Even if it sounds very wise, if it has no connection to your life, its uniqueness will be wasted. 

One big pitfall when getting word tattoos is opting for a foreign language you don’t read or understand. The script tattoo may look aesthetically pleasing, but the meaning could be pure gibberish or even something rude or problematic. That’s why, try to stick to the language you actually understand and can verify.  

Are you considering getting a word tattoo but can’t decide what to ink in? We’re glad you asked! Scroll down to find some amazing word tattoo ideas that might inspire you or help you make a choice for your own ink art. Do you have word tattoos of your own? Show us what they say in the comments! 

#1

The Passport Stamp From The Day My Mom Adopted Me From China. Done By Jeremiah Klein Of Iron Lotus Tattoo In Iowa

Tattoo of a Hong Kong immigration stamp with date 8 Aug 1999, symbolizing a significant memory on skin.

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    #2

    My First Tattoo Done By Chloe White At City Roots Tattoos In Michigan

    Tattoo of a handwritten note surrounded by leaves, reading “note to self: I love you, even if I suck at it sometimes.”

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    #5

    My Dad Passed Last Month. I Got His Handwriting From The Last Birthday Card He Gave Me

    Tattoo of "love you" in elegant script on a wrist with a small heart outline, highlighting meaningful word tattoos.

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    #7

    Electricity Kills, Done By Nick Dancy At Dancy And Daughters In Aarhus, Denmark

    Cartoon tattoo of electric character warning a kid, emphasizing the danger of electricity.

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    #9

    Its My Birthday In Book Terms And I Had So Much Fun Working With Gina From Twisted Tattoos In Milwaukee, WI

    Text tattoo on forearm reads "Page 313 of 365, Volume 1996" in black ink, highlighting word tattoos.

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    Sunny Day
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There were 366 days in 1996. So is their birthday Nov 8 (313/366) or Nov 9 (314/366)?.

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    #10

    Lazy Jane By Shel Silverstein! Done By Rodney Taylor At Golden Spiral Tattoo In Greensboro, Nc

    Text tattoo on leg featuring poetic words and illustration, showcasing inspirational word tattoos.

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    CheshirePhrogg
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This has made me smile so hard. Such fond memories of that book as a kid and seeing the way the words were made to be art as much as the illustrations

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    #11

    Slaughterhouse-Five Quote (Original Artwork By Nemanja Bogdanov) By Adrienne Alexander At Crimson Empire Tattoos

    Word tattoo featuring a skull and stars, with text "Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt" on skin.

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    #12

    Fully Healed Quote From Grendel By John Gardner

    Word tattoo on forearm: "It was not always like this, of course. On occasion it's been worse."

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    XenoMurph
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "The first ten million years were the worst," said Marvin, "and the second ten million years, they were the worst too. The third ten million years I didn't enjoy at all. After that I went into a bit of a decline."

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    #16

    The Solution

    Minimalist word tattoo on arm in black ink, featuring scattered letters forming a phrase.

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    kitten levels tokyo
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wonder if anyone has ever got one that said “Constant Constipation” but some of the letters drop out and the new message is “I Love You”?

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    #17

    Latest Addition To The Pun Leg

    Octopus tattoo with a cupcake hat labeled "Octopie" on forearm, showcasing creative word tattoo art.

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    Rwby Couch
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    LOVE! Its like Zara the Squid's baby cousin if her cousin was an octopus. Also I love the suitcase, too❤️

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    #18

    I Love Ridiculous Things By Sarah Main Street Tattoo Greenville, SC

    Elegant script tattoo saying "Live, Laugh, Toaster Bath" on forearm.

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    Rwby Couch
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you die from being electrified by a toaster in the bathtub, would you be burned or what? What happens?

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    #21

    Very Serious Tattoo By Bryan At Solid Gold Tattoo In Elmont, NY

    Tattoo on a knee reading "Above Knee Bologna" in bold, black letters.

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    #22

    New Toy Story Tattoo Done By Torri Lauterbach At Heart Of Gold Tattoo In Old Colorado City, Colorado

    Shark tattoo with cowboy hat and “Howdy Howdy Howdy” banner, featuring blue flowers, on skin.

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    #23

    My First Tattoo, Quote From Famous Last Words By MCR, Done By Gavin Mckee At Clear Vision Tattoos In Moorpark, California

    Arm tattoo with heartbeat line and the phrase "I am not afraid to keep on living."

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    #24

    Charming, If A Little Gauche. Done By Krista Jones At Red Raven In Utica, NY

    Tattoo of a gravestone with text "I had a marvelous time ruining everything," surrounded by ivy design.

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    #25

    My Favorite Quote From Chernobyl. Done By Max Meano, Max Meano Tattoo Allentown, PA

    Arm with a meaningful word tattoo about truth and consequences in cursive script.

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    XenoMurph
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nice tattoo, I love the sentiment. But it's achingly naive.

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    #28

    Arrested Development Quote Tattoo By Jenn Small Of 510 Expert Tattoo, Charlotte, NC

    Tattoo design of a sandwich with text ribbons that read, "We finish each other's sandwiches," on skin.

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    #29

    Two-Headed Calf Tattoo Based On A Poem That I Love! Done By Greg Anderson At Exposed Temptations Tattoo In Manassas, Virginia

    Tattoo of a cow and moon with stars, surrounded by inspirational words, showcasing unique word tattoos.

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    Rwby Couch
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I remember someone on BP saying cows are the cutest animals by far(truth) and now we have DOUBLE the cuteness!!!!!😍

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    #31

    A Map And Quote Done By Boston Rogoz, Living Canvas Tattoo, Tempe, AZ

    Tattoo of text "not all who wander are lost" on a map-themed background, highlighting unique word art on the skin.

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    #34

    One More Night

    Tattoo of the words "One More Night" on a person's leg, showcasing word tattoos.

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    Rwby Couch
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One more drink...one more post... one more video... one more page... one more cat... one more cookie... etc.

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    #37

    I Got My First Tattoo And It Made Me Cry. Done By Adam At Paparazzi Tattoo In Niles Michigan

    Word tattoo on forearm reading "The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb" in black script.

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    #40

    Eat The Rich Piñata. By Pony At Sacred Nine Tattoo In Sacramento

    Colorful piñata tattoo with "Eat the Rich" design on an arm.

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    #42

    Thigh Patch Done By Nigel Ingersoll At Sindicate Tattoo In Gaylord, Mi (Fresh)

    Colorful tattoo with a humorous fish-themed quote on skin, incorporating main word tattoos design.

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    Peri
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I thought I was having a stroke trying to read this lol

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    #44

    Poem Sleeves

    Person with word tattoos on forearms, text includes a dream-related quote, showcasing meaningful ink.

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    Raymond Pobiak
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Perhaps he should have just written that on a piece of paper and kept it in his wallet.

    #45

    First Ink,The Dark Tower Quote. Done By Vinnie Peachy At Marc's Tattooing In Wilkes-Barre, PA

    Tattooed arm with the phrase, "The man in black fled across the desert and the gunslinger followed," in cursive writing.

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    Deborah Beck
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The Dark Tower series leaves a literal and literary impression on those who read it

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    #46

    Roman Gladius Sword And Cheryl Strayed Quote By Fran Hartnett, Skin City Tattoo, Dublin, Ireland

    Sword tattoo with artistic writing on forearm, blending black and red ink, symbolizing destruction and creation.

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    #48

    Narsil And Riddle Of Strider Quote By Bill Sorensen

    Sword tattoo with ribbon text, "The crownless again shall be king," embodying word tattoos theme.

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    #49

    Bright And Pretty

    Two colorful word tattoos on a person's side and arm.

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    Doug Buck
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    From “bright and pretty” to “bri t and pr y” in 2 years flat

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    #50

    For Fox Sake

    Tattoo of a fox's face with text, inked on an arm.

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    #52

    Nonsensical

    Word tattoo with "nonsensical" and floral design on foot, sunlight casting shadows on wooden floor.

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    #53

    Minimalistic Carnation & Quote

    Back tattoo with floral design and words "be kind to yourself," embodying word tattoos theme.

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    #55

    Bowles Quote A Long-Time Design Idea. My Very First Tattoo, By Eddie Molina At Rebel Muse In Lewisville, TX

    Compass tattoo with birds and the words "And yet it all seems limitless," reflecting meaningful word tattoos.

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    #58

    Coralline Quote Tattoo On The Lower Thigh

    Arm tattoo reading "you probably think this world is a dream come true, but you're wrong" in simple black lettering.

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    Rwby Couch
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Woah is your leg okay? Did you hurt it?(I Like the tat, I was just wondering)

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    #60

    Handpoked Handwritten Script By Me From Bruised Pickle Dystopia, Singapore

    Arm with artistic word tattoo "Trust the Process" and sketch-style designs.

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    #63

    Love

    A woman shows a "LOVE" tattoo on her arm, wearing a crochet top, embodying word tattoos' heartful expression.

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    TK 421
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Forgive my ignorance on the subject. I have to ask. Why do people get a tattoo that is presumably very personal and meaningful to them in a place that they are likely to never see without considerable effort?

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    #64

    Flower And Quote By Keely Thurman At SLC Ink In UT. I Absolutely Love It !

    Floral and text tattoo on a person's side with inspirational words about friendship and dancing.

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    Shannon
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    From the song "Is That All There Is?" - Doris Day! I love that song

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    #65

    Love Yourself

    Arm with a "love yourself" word tattoo, simple and elegant design.

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    #68

    Avril Lavigne Tattoos Done Today By Klee At Nala Tattoo In Tamworth, UK

    Tattoo of a snowflake with the words "It's a damn cold night," featuring intricate dotwork and bold lettering.

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    #69

    Uncharted Quote And Dagger By Harryl At Skull And Lotus Tattoo In Calgary, Canada

    Ornate dagger tattoo on arm with Latin quote, symbolizing deep meaning and connection between heart and skin.

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    #70

    Sisterhood

    Tattoo featuring intricate black lettering on a person's thigh, showcasing unique word design.

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    River Daski
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    that script is beautiful and the art is amazingly well done, but ..it definitely doesnt look like it says "sisterhood". if that's what it's supposed to say, based on the title. 😅

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    #72

    Essentials

    Tattoo of pizza, drink, and smoke labeled "Essentials" on a leg, featuring word tattoo design.

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    #76

    “Death’s Door” Credit To Reuben Garcia At Zodiac Lines In Grand Rapids, Mi

    Tattoo of a door with roses and a banner reading "The View From Halfway Down," symbolizing deep personal meaning.

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    #77

    My 4th And Latest Tattoo By Harish At Skindeep Tattoo Studio, Bangalore. Polish Word Spokój - Means Serenity, Calm

    Tattoo of the word "spokój" in cursive font on a person's upper arm.

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    #78

    Moving In Circles Spiral Tat By Xanthian At Occulo Visitanr Gallery In Oneonta, NY

    Circular script word tattoo on inner arm in bright room setting.

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    #81

    Mob Psycho Tattoo By Jack Cordwell At Black Kraken Tattoo In Manchester, UK

    Tattoo of cartoon face with text "Searching for God" and "Psycho Helmet Cult," embodying unique word tattoo design.

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    #82

    Tourist Garbage. By Deya Aven At Adventure Tattoo In Nashville, TN

    Tattoo featuring the words "I got this in Nashville" with colorful designs, expressing personal connection through body art.

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    #83

    Done By Devin At Master Lines Tattoo Studio In Slippery Rock, PA

    Tattoo of a revolver and jug with rope frame and text "Never drink with your shoot'n hand," emphasizing word tattoos.

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    XenoMurph
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, do with either hand, just don't get the hands mixed up when you're holding the gun.

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    #88

    Be My Summer

    Word tattoo on collarbone reading "Be my summer in a winter day, love," paired with a delicate necklace.

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    #89

    Super Fresh Kurt Cobain Doodle Done At Tried And True Tattoo, In Cape Girardeau, MO

    Line drawing tattoo with figure and "nevermind" text on arm, showcasing word tattoo art.

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    #90

    Gilda Radner Quote: “Delicious Ambiguity” Stone The Crow In Rockville, MD

    Tattoo with the words "delicious ambiguity" inked on an arm, showcasing elegant script.

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    #92

    Day Dreamer

    Angel and dove word tattoo on arm with "Day Dreamer" text.

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    #93

    Colorful Lettering

    Minimalist word tattoo on arm with a plaid yellow shirt, using delicate colors.

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    Erica Klohr
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can't quite make it out. Not wearing my glasses. Does it say "antithesis?" "Albatross?" Am I anywhere close?

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    #96

    In Honor Of Talk Like A Pirate Day, The Word ‘Arrr’ By Paul At Choice Tattoo, Durham, NC

    Arm tattoo with the word "ARRR" in bold black letters on light skin.

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    #97

    My Traditional Kingkiller Quote Tattoo

    Tattoo of heart with flowers and text "Stronger Stuff Than Glass" on arm, highlighting meaningful word tattoos.

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    #98

    Fine Line

    Woman with a vertical word tattoo on her back, wearing a strapless gray dress, showcasing meaningful ink.

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    kitten levels tokyo
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “que seja cifnito tengo aquito que my faz bem” Rough translation from Spanish would be “that something something I have what something something.”

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