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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

Creative word tattoo of a tombstone with "There better be dogs" on a person's arm, featuring leaves and flowers.

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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

    Creative word tattoos on arms featuring "Never Tell Me The Odds" and a spaceship design for inspiration.

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    #6

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

    Arm displaying creative word tattoo reading "FOCUS" in bold, artistic font.

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    #10

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

    Word tattoo on an arm with a motivational quote in black ink.

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    #13

    Stop Wearing Your Wishbone Where Your Backbone Ought To Be

    Elegant word tattoo in cursive script on a person's back, conveying creative inkspiration against a patterned wallpaper backdrop.

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    #14

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

    Creative word tattoos featuring characters and a lyrical quote in a colorful forest scene.

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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

    Word tattoo featuring a tree design and a meaningful quote about life and time.

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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

    Colorful infinity word tattoo reading "Different Not Less" for creative inkspiration.

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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!

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    #21

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

    Creative word tattoo featuring a portrait and text about decaying organic matter.

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    #22

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

    Close-up of a creative word tattoo on an arm, featuring a floral design and inspirational quote.

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    #23

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

    Creative word tattoo featuring Mothman illustration and phrase, inked on a person's leg.

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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

    Creative word tattoo on forearm reading "and this is my body the only thing I own entirely," inked in a rectangle frame.

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    #27

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

    Forearm with a creative word tattoo featuring a literary quote in elegant script.

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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

    Chest tattoo featuring the words "Boldly Go" with a star emblem, exemplifying creative word tattoos.

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    #29

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

    Word tattoo saying "I am not throwing away my shot" on an arm, showcasing creative inkspiration.

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    #30

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

    Creative word tattoos on fingers with food icons and animal motifs.

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    #31

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

    Word tattoo with the phrase "not all those who wander are lost," featuring ornate text on a person's forearm.

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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

    Tattoo with inspirational quote emphasizing life, strength, and journey over death, weakness, and destination.

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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

    Forearm with a creative word tattoo saying, "what’s sunshine without a little rain?" with surrounding art and decor.

    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

    Tattoo of a woman with classic style and birds, featuring the phrase "My heaven is all around," showcasing creative word tattoos.

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    #35

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

    Word tattoo of a lighthouse and flower vase within a window, featuring the phrase "Matches struck unexpectedly in the dark."

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    #38

    Keep Your Head Up

    Minimalist arm tattoo saying "keep your head up princess," showcasing creative word tattoos.

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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

    Word tattoo of a lemon with a humorous banner saying "When life gives you lemons."

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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

    Colorful floral tattoo with inspirational words on an arm.

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    #43

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

    Creative word tattoo featuring an inspirational quote in a decorative script with colorful accents.

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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

    Arm with a word tattoo in elegant script, featuring an inspirational quote about maturity and self-reliance.

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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

    Tattoo of a motorcycle with "Immortal So Far" text, showcasing creative word tattoos for inkspiration.

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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

    Line art tattoo with text "I guess I've still got some more healing to do" on arm; creative word tattoos.

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    #52

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

    Creative word tattoo on an arm featuring a mousetrap and cheese with an inspirational message.

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    #55

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

    Hands with "HOLD FAST" word tattoos and nautical designs.

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    #56

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

    Creative word tattoo on an arm featuring a pretzel and clock motif.

    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

    Creative word tattoos on collarbone reading "West of the Moon" and "East of the Sun" for inkspiration.

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    #64

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

    Leg with a creative word tattoo in an elegant script, showcasing artistic inkspiration.

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    #66

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

    Tattoo of the words "Keep Moving Forward" in black ink on skin, representing creative word tattoo ideas.

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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

    Creative word tattoo on forearm in black and red ink, featuring a quote.

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    #75

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

    Word tattoo on forearm reading "With Arms Wide Open," showcasing creative inkspiration.

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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

    Word tattoo of a guitar on an arm with text: "The guitar was my weapon."

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    #79

    All Day All Night

    Word tattoos on arms reading "ALL DAY" and "ALL NIGHT" for tattoo inkspiration.

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    #82

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

    Creative word tattoo on leg featuring a beach scene with palm trees and the phrase "Death by Hot Tub."

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    #86

    Rebel Alliance Tiger By Zack Traum At Moo Tattoo In Philadelphia

    Colorful tattoo featuring a roaring tiger in a helmet with the words "Stay on Target"; creative word tattoo inspiration.

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    #88

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

    Tattoo on arm with the words "stay here."

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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

    Word tattoo with 'So It Goes' above a colorful flower design on skin.

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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

    Word tattoo on a person's leg reading "The setting sun wants company" with a sun illustration.

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    #93

    Positive

    Forearm with a "positive" word tattoo and intricate religious design, showcasing creative word tattoos.

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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

    A woman's back with "Mexican" word tattoo featuring intricate blackletter design.

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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

    Word tattoo reading "Cornfield Chase" on a person's forearm.

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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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