When did the popularity of tattoos among British people start increasing, what do you think caused?

[LadybirdsTakingTurds]

Can you tell me when tattoos became very popular in British culture? I recently went to a new gym and noticed a large number of young people, both men and women, with tattoos covering their bodies, even up to their necks and covering limbs. I was aware tattoos are much more common now than they were in previous decades but it was even more noticeable with everyone showing more skin.

It's now perfectly normal in the UK to see a person with a heavily tattooed leg, whereas this would have been considered unconventional just half a century ago. What do you think caused it - was it influenced by pop culture or a trend? Do you think its here to stay?

Some of the designs I've spotted repeatedly include lions, clocks, naked women, prayer beads, eagles, elephants, mandalas, chequered flags, clown faces, flowers, skulls, butterflies, roses, stars, and crying eyes.

There are some very old fashioned ideas on this thread. How on earth does a doctor/lawyer/Judge become untrustworthy just because they have a tattoo? What a strange notion.

I don't have any myself btw, but I don't judge others on whether they have them or not.

@DoYouWantToStartACultWithMe
I view "naked, uadorned skin" as aesthetically beautiful, with all its contours, shades, curves, and tones. I have the absolute right to have that opinion.
You disagree, which is your absolute right and I respect that, and I made that perfectly clear in my post.
Your comment is coming across as just as unreasonable as comments made by some tattoo haters.
Having an opinion, but not allowing others to have a differing opinion, is not a good look, I'm afraid.

I find the psychology of tattoos so interesting. They are such a deliberate and strong statement- but of what?! I hear people’s reasons but the subconscious reasons are fascinating- is it a form of self harm? A rejection of societal norms? A camouflage? A perceived decorative enhancement? A shield? It intrigues me that people feel ‘more themselves’ when they have physically altered their bodies. Personally I think some tattoos on men can be quite attractive (but not too many). I think anything more than a small one look ugly on women (because I think most people look beautiful as their natural selves). Anything on the neck/face/hands is very off-putting. I find it really sad when I saw lovely young women with badly done tattoos.

Caesariba - I’m with you, I find natural skin much more attractive.

If you’re suggesting that people would be laughing at me for it, I hate to disappoint you because the only comments I ever get on it are compliments. 🤷🏼‍♀️

I don’t suppose many people compliment you on being a judgemental twat though?

It takes all sorts. Why moomin?

@K0OLA1D exactly, it's great fun. The naysayers are missing out!

Because I like them, why else?!

I did! I went to Manchester. Oli was in top form.

I am very jealous of all the footage coming out of Europe at the moment on BOs tour.

I have tickets again for download this year, and BO are there then, would like them to bring Poppy on as they're doing on this tour. If only to hear the grr 😂

Why not?

I dont even have a tattoo but want to get one to rile up the tightly-wound, judgemental, pearl clutchers on this thread. 😆

I might have 'grubby' across my chest

Ummm @Cesarina I asked a question. That's all.

Let’s go together, I’ll get ‘No Ragrets’ across mine.

But why have a permanent tattoo of it??? I like malteasers but don’t want them imprinted on my thigh. Anyway I AM being silly now. Of course you can have what you like.

🤣

That's just good old fashioned misogyny; fine for men but not women.

Notes malteaser tattoo down as 2025 aim

Because I will permanently like it! 🙂

Thought about Download @K0OLA1D for BO and also for Heilung, but find I can't really be arsed...too much effort for me 🤣

Sleep Token is next on my list and I'm already stupidly over the top excited about it.

Indeed and tonight has brought me to the frightening realisation that I might as well not support my daughter in her studies because there are actually people walking about in this world that won't trust her because she has a little picture on her skin.
And really that's the scariest thing about this discussion really.

I went last year, for the first time since I was a teen. I am significantly immobile now, so got to camp in access camp which is right next to the arena. I got a very tall, very sturdy camp bed with a mattress and I was surprisingly OK. I could never do it in Gen Pop. You can take camp chairs into the arena too now so can enjoy from afar sat down 😂Maybe not everyone's idea of a festival experience but I enjoyed myself!

Might not get to go this year as I am due a few operations, and they are bound to fall around the festival date! But here's hoping!

In the 70s I went out with the georgous guy who had 'Hells Angles' tattooed on his back.

His mate did it while pissed

Hahahaha 😂

I had relations with a gentleman who had a portrait of Patrick from Eastenders tattooed on his bottom. He also assured me he was pissed when he got it! Was very funny 😁

Like I said earlier, they are stories! He'll never forget that night will he 😂