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Tattooing is as old as history itself. As evidenced by archaeological records, tattooing has been practiced since the Neolithic era. Think around 6000 years before the present.

For a long time, tattoos served as marks of status, religious symbols, and even punishment by marking outcasts, slaves, and convicts. Today, it's more of a form of self-expression. It's reported that around half of Americans under 40 have a tattoo.

According to Instagram research conducted by Zensa, some of the most common tattoos people get are script tattoos and tattoos with popular sayings. No wonder word tattoos and lettering tattoos are popular among the population. In most cases, they are cheaper to get, take little time to complete, and carry a meaningful message. Unless it's the name of another person, which is the most frequent reason for regret.

However, getting a script tattoo with a special quote or a phrase that's important and echoes to you may end up being one of the best decisions you've made. It could be an excerpt from your favorite book, a phrase, or a combination of singular words. Meaningful word tattoos, serious or silly, can be beautifully inked into one's skin and serve as a daily reminder and a piece of body art.

To avoid ending up on the list of the worst tattoos or tattoo regrets getting covered, we've compiled a list of script tattoo ideas and the creative ways people had words inked into their skin. In case you are looking for tattoo lettering ideas, fonts to use, designs, placement or size tips, and examples, there is plenty to look at below. Do you have a script tattoo? What does it say? Let us know!

#1

My New Tombstone On My Ankle. From Jenna Szerszen At Topnotch Tattoo

My New Tombstone On My Ankle. From Jenna Szerszen At Topnotch Tattoo

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Tamra
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If there is such a place as heaven, I guarantee all dogs get to go there. Otherwise, it ain't heaven.

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#4

Millennium Falcon And Han Solo Quote By Edu Cerro Samuel O'Reilly's Tattoo Parlour, Santa Cruz CA

Millennium Falcon And Han Solo Quote By Edu Cerro Samuel O'Reilly's Tattoo Parlour, Santa Cruz CA

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#6

Here From Lahore, Pakistan And Confused About My First Tattoo By Ivan Casabo

Here From Lahore, Pakistan And Confused About My First Tattoo By Ivan Casabo

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#10

My Third Tattoo, This One By Travis At Hangman Tattoo In Benson, AZ

My Third Tattoo, This One By Travis At Hangman Tattoo In Benson, AZ

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#13

Stop Wearing Your Wishbone Where Your Backbone Ought To Be

Stop Wearing Your Wishbone Where Your Backbone Ought To Be

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#14

In Memory Of My Gramma. Done By Carly Menasco At Good Mojo Tattoos In Beverly, MA

In Memory Of My Gramma. Done By Carly Menasco At Good Mojo Tattoos In Beverly, MA

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Lisa Lolo
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why not a Winnie the Pooh quote? There are so many great ones that convey the same message

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#19

Tree Of Life Tattoo With A Quote That Means A Lot To Me

Tree Of Life Tattoo With A Quote That Means A Lot To Me

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Aussie Bloke
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I often leave notes for my daughter, things like "today I love you more than yesterday, but never as much as tomorrow"..

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#20

"Different Not Less" Based On Temple Grandin Quote, Represents My Autism. Designed By Me, Done By Cody Wray At The Electric Chair, Flint, MI

"Different Not Less" Based On Temple Grandin Quote, Represents My Autism. Designed By Me, Done By Cody Wray At The Electric Chair, Flint, MI

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Jestinna Welch
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like this 1 a lot! I'm actually thinking I might get one similar. I like old English font though and I would go with trans flag colors. But yes I really like this!

Heather Vandegrift
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Make sure the font you choose is either really big, or doesn't have a lot of close together intricacies that will morph together into a single blob over time. Ink technology has improved a lot so that it doesn't migrate as happy as old tattoos, but old English font can be difficult to read even when written crisply, so thinking ahead and choosing wisely can prevent distortion in the future

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Trash Panda 🦝
Community Member
1 year ago (edited)

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Represents autism? Those are the colors of the gay communities' rainbow flag, and different not less? I thought that was something from the transgender community. That I could be wrong about, but those are definitely the colors of the rainbow flag. My best friend is gay and I've marched in several parades supporting her and her wife.

basil (as in razzle dazzle)
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A rainbow infinity sign is a symbol used for the autism community, and the rainbow doesn't have anything to do with the pride flag

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#21

Converge's "Jane Doe" With A Quote. Done By Jay Hettlehut, Anchors End Tattoo, Duluth, MN

Converge's "Jane Doe" With A Quote. Done By Jay Hettlehut, Anchors End Tattoo, Duluth, MN

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#22

Quote By Atticus. Tattoo Done By Gary Frayer At Tattoo Royale In San Diego

Quote By Atticus. Tattoo Done By Gary Frayer At Tattoo Royale In San Diego

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#23

Bar Mitzvah Mothman Done At Misery Co In Salt Lake City Utah

Bar Mitzvah Mothman Done At Misery Co In Salt Lake City Utah

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Couragetcd
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like it, and it fits the heading, but doesn't have the gravitas the rest do

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#25

My First Tattoo. Done By Nick Wheeler At Black Card Tattoo Collective In Kansas City Missouri

My First Tattoo. Done By Nick Wheeler At Black Card Tattoo Collective In Kansas City Missouri

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#27

Inferno, Canto I - By Dean Bloebaum, Adorn Body Art West In Beaverton, OR

Inferno, Canto I - By Dean Bloebaum, Adorn Body Art West In Beaverton, OR

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Tamra
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This describes how I felt when menopause started. 😂 😳

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#28

My First Tattoo, Wise Words To Live By. Done By Rod At Vanity Tattoo In Roselle, IL

My First Tattoo, Wise Words To Live By. Done By Rod At Vanity Tattoo In Roselle, IL

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#29

Simple Hamilton Quote, Done Excellently By Katie Beth At Blue Geisha In West Seattle, WA

Simple Hamilton Quote, Done Excellently By Katie Beth At Blue Geisha In West Seattle, WA

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#30

Sandwich Knuckles Done By Kevin Leary At Glt In Chicago, IL

Sandwich Knuckles Done By Kevin Leary At Glt In Chicago, IL

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#31

Tolkien Quote Done By Jaclyn Huertas Tattoo Lou's Of Selden, NY

Tolkien Quote Done By Jaclyn Huertas Tattoo Lou's Of Selden, NY

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weatherwitch
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If the quote means something to the wearer then that's the important thing. I would have this too ☺️

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#32

A Quote From Brandon Sanderson's The Way Of Kings Done By Julia Neely Of Studio 617 In Maryville, TN

A Quote From Brandon Sanderson's The Way Of Kings Done By Julia Neely Of Studio 617 In Maryville, TN

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William Bennett
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I absolutely love that book series. And this quote has a lot of meaning throughout the series. The way of the king is the first book in The stormlight archive. I want a 100% recommend reading it to anyone.

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#33

Dads Handwriting With A Quote From A Logic Song

Dads Handwriting With A Quote From A Logic Song

A couple of weeks ago my dad got diagnosed with kidney cancer and I've been having a lot of anxiety lately. This is a quote from my favorite Logic song that helps me feel better, the high life. I got this tattoo in my dad handwriting with a quote from that song.

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Trash Panda 🦝
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I never thought about handwriting... When my dad died I took some of his ashes and the artist mixed 'em in with the tattoo ink. I got something dad always said to me and my brother. He never said goodbye, he'd always say Good Journey. Next one is gonna be of his handwriting. Awesome idea.

#34

My Heaven Is All Around - Jessi Hildebrandt Dark Horse Tattoo, Los Angeles, CA

My Heaven Is All Around - Jessi Hildebrandt Dark Horse Tattoo, Los Angeles, CA

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#35

To The Lighthouse Forearm Tat By Ori At Third Space In Portland, Oregon

To The Lighthouse Forearm Tat By Ori At Third Space In Portland, Oregon

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#38

Keep Your Head Up

Keep Your Head Up

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3 Trash Pandas in a Trenchcoat
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

🎶So keep your head up princess 'fore your crown falls, all these voices in your head will be your downfall, I know it gets so hard but you don't got far to go🎶

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#40

Wise Words From Kunu By Brayden Baines Nectar In Lethbridge, AB

Wise Words From Kunu By Brayden Baines Nectar In Lethbridge, AB

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#42

Peonies And My Favorite Literary Quote From Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse Five. Done By Elise Jensen At Seven Seas Tattoo In Buffalo, NY

 Peonies And My Favorite Literary Quote From Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse Five. Done By Elise Jensen At Seven Seas Tattoo In Buffalo, NY

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#43

HP Dumbledore Quote — Done By “Stabby Gabby” At Steady Tattoo In Minneapolis

HP Dumbledore Quote — Done By “Stabby Gabby” At Steady Tattoo In Minneapolis

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weatherwitch
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have to say that this is one of my favourite Dumbledore quotes ❤️

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#47

My Favourite Quote Done Very Well By Amy Nguyen At Exquizeet Tattoo Studios In Brampton, ON

My Favourite Quote Done Very Well By Amy Nguyen At Exquizeet Tattoo Studios In Brampton, ON

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Clinton Nunley
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yelawolf <3 exceptional Rapper.. excellent quote from a powerful song.

#49

I'm Immortal, Well So Far By Michael At Acreedo, Abingdon, UK

I'm Immortal, Well So Far By Michael At Acreedo, Abingdon, UK

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#51

My One Line Drawing Of Francis From The Darjeeling Limited And My Fav Quote. Done By Sparrow At Howl Tattoo In Fort Myers, FL

My One Line Drawing Of Francis From The Darjeeling Limited And My Fav Quote. Done By Sparrow At Howl Tattoo In Fort Myers, FL

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#52

Quote By Scroobius Pip, Made By The Great Jón Óli At Húðflúrstofa Norðurlands In Akureyri, Iceland

Quote By Scroobius Pip, Made By The Great Jón Óli At Húðflúrstofa Norðurlands In Akureyri, Iceland

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#55

First Session On My Hands. Jon At Meow Meow Tattoo. Wilmington, NC

First Session On My Hands. Jon At Meow Meow Tattoo. Wilmington, NC

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#56

Quote From The Crazy Ex Girlfriend Song “The End Of The Movie”

Quote From The Crazy Ex Girlfriend Song “The End Of The Movie”

Done by CC at route 60 Tattoo, Pittsburgh.

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#58

Tolkien Quote Done By Nick 'The Tailor' Solomon At Crown & Feather In Philadelphia, PA

Tolkien Quote Done By Nick 'The Tailor' Solomon At Crown & Feather In Philadelphia, PA

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#64

Tolkien' S Tengwar With Quote By Neitzsche. Done By David From Island City Tattoo On Baltimore

Tolkien' S Tengwar With Quote By Neitzsche. Done By David From Island City Tattoo On Baltimore

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#66

My First Tattoo. Done By Ryan Zametty Of Alta Art In Albuquerque, New Mexico

My First Tattoo. Done By Ryan Zametty Of Alta Art In Albuquerque, New Mexico

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#69

Bloodborne Hunter’s Mark And A Quote From The Game. Done By Christian Bernal At Wolf’s Fine Line, Joliet

Bloodborne Hunter’s Mark And A Quote From The Game. Done By Christian Bernal At Wolf’s Fine Line, Joliet

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#75

My Mom And I Got Our First Tattoos Together. Mine Is The Words, Long Island, NY

My Mom And I Got Our First Tattoos Together. Mine Is The Words, Long Island, NY

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#76

Got This From Amanda Cancilla At Artistic Skin Design In Noblesville, Indiana. A Quote By Brian May With A Guitar I Like

Got This From Amanda Cancilla At Artistic Skin Design In Noblesville, Indiana. A Quote By Brian May With A Guitar I Like

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#79

All Day All Night

All Day All Night

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#82

"Death By Hot Tub" By Luke Lieske, Minneapolis, Stone Arch Tattoo

"Death By Hot Tub" By Luke Lieske, Minneapolis, Stone Arch Tattoo

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#86

Rebel Alliance Tiger By Zack Traum At Moo Tattoo In Philadelphia

Rebel Alliance Tiger By Zack Traum At Moo Tattoo In Philadelphia

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#88

Inspiring Words Done By Violetta At Unity Tattoo Co In Denver, CO

Inspiring Words Done By Violetta At Unity Tattoo Co In Denver, CO

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#89

A Flower And A Quote From My Favorite Book For My First Tattoo. By Jeff Slack At Fort City Tattoo, Fort Smith

A Flower And A Quote From My Favorite Book For My First Tattoo. By Jeff Slack At Fort City Tattoo, Fort Smith

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#90

My Super Simple Script Tattoo, Figured I’d Share! Done By Audrey At Up In Arms Tattoo In Moon, PA

My Super Simple Script Tattoo, Figured I’d Share! Done By Audrey At Up In Arms Tattoo In Moon, PA

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#93

Positive

Positive

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Cara
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay, someone help me out with what the lower tattoo is supposed to be please. A habit but with people holding a baby at the top climbing into a portal??

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#97

Agenda

Agenda

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Marina Rocha
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A little much for my taste. Looks like she is branded. I don't know, but it gives me unsettling vibes

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#100

Cornfield Chase

Cornfield Chase

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Marcus “Gunderpants” Gunderson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Outside of the photos that were o viously photoshopped on to the skin, a very large portion of these tattoos should never have been done. Ink spreads under the skin over time. All of this tiny writing is going to be nothing more than a blur in a few years.

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