ENGLISH
REFERENCE

tattoo

n. countable
A2 Elementary US //ˌtæˈtu// UK //tætˈuː// tat·too

n. a permanent picture or pattern on your skin made by using a needle and ink. People often get them to remember someone or show their style.

n. a permanent design or mark made on the skin by the insertion of pigment through ruptures in the dermis. Historically associated with specific subcultures, it has transitioned into a mainstream form of body art.


SIMPLE

He has a small tattoo of a bird on his wrist.

CONTEXTUAL

She decided to get a tattoo to celebrate her graduation from university.

COMPLEX

While once viewed primarily as a mark of rebellion or military service, the tattoo has evolved into a sophisticated medium for personal storytelling and artistic expression.

Etymology 1

From earlier tattaow, tattow, a borrowing from a Polynesian language, e.g. Samoan tatau (“tattoo; to tap, to strike”).

Etymology 2

From earlier tap-to, borrowed from Dutch taptoe, from tap (“tap; faucet on a cask”) + toe (“to; shut”). More at tap, to.

Etymology 3

From Hindi टट्टू (ṭaṭṭū).

Usage

Commonly used with the verbs 'get', 'have', or 'give'.

Pitfall

he made a tattoohe got a tattooLearners often use 'make' for body art, but English speakers 'get' or 'have' a tattoo from an artist who 'does' or 'gives' it.

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