English Reference
noun · verb

tat

n. · v.
US /ˈtæt/ UK /tˈæt/ tat UK spelling tats

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate British EnglishInformal

    n.cheap, poor-quality, or useless things that have little value.

    n.cheap, tasteless, or poor-quality items, often used collectively to describe clutter or low-value trinkets.

    Simple

    The souvenir shop was full of plastic tat that nobody really wanted to buy.

    In context

    The attic was cluttered with decades of accumulated tat, ranging from broken electronics to faded plastic ornaments from old holidays.

    Usage

    Usually uncountable when referring to a collection of items.

    junkrubbishtrinketsknick knacks
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Slang

    v.to give someone a tattoo.

    v.to perform the act of tattooing; often used in the phrase 'get tatted'.

    Simple

    She decided to get tatted while she was travelling in Berlin.

    In context

    After years of planning his sleeve, he finally found a specialist artist to tat the complex historical scene onto his back.

    ink

Image caption, The Daily Mirror says Reform UK "are accused of hypocrisy for championing British industry while their conference merchandise stalls sell tat made in China".

BBC News· 4 Sept 2026
This entry
Level C2 · Proficiency
Frequency Frequent
Updated