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.

Yes

Yeah, how dare women get old.

@Newchapterbeckons bullshit.

Your doctor could be completed inked under his white coat and you'd never know.

See how stupid your bias is?

Are you misunderstanding on purpose?

Yes could be, but if I could see them I wouldn’t feel comfortable

Wow and you think the people with tattoos have issues

My impression is that fewer people in their late teens/early 20's are having tattoos but this might well be a blip in my local area. Last weekend, when it was just about warm enough for t-shirts, I saw a number of groups of people in this age bracket and not a visible tattoo amongst them. Several local tattoo places have closed down or are opening fewer days.

I am aware it’s a bias, but I am afraid I wouldn’t like it. I have my own opinions about the standards I would expect in certain professions, and this would put me off. I would feel the same about a midwife, massage therapist.

I think it’s linked to punk and rockers etc for me. I think tattoos look aggressive.

Don't know about punk rocker... you are certainly off your rocker.

Why are those the only jobs that matter though? It's like people think the only aspirational career is a judge or a doctor. What if I don't WANT to be one of those, those people are not superior just because of the work they do.

Yes they do seem old fashioned. Under25s are not getting tattoos here.

Varying cultures face different challenges. Britain does pretty bloody well compared to many most countries.

I wonder is it possible to explore the potential connection between the rising popularity of excessive tattoos and the changing patterns in intelligence quotient (IQ) scores in the UK?

I think most people quietly think the same.

ie downward trajectory?

I do not have any form of depression, never have.

Nope. Fashionable, yes. Nothing to do with ‘toughness’ though, or being interesting. It’s just an aesthetic choice made now there’s less judgement of it.

They really don't.

They do in my circles, which is why no one has one. It’s a marker for aggressive, poor mental health, low IQ here.

It’s not fashionable though. It’s really off trend now.

People who judge tattoos are narrow minded. It's ok not to like them but to instantly judge a person because of them is a you problem. As for not wanting a nurse or a doctor with tattoos to treat you, that is simply embarrassing.

For the blood taking question on tattooed arms, you don't find a vein by sight, you feel for a vein so it is just as easy on tattooed skin as any other skin.

I got my first tattoo because my abusive XH said he would divorce me if I got one and/or a body piercing.

First body piercing aged 25. First tattoo aged 30.

Yes, I married at 21.

I've had lots of tattoos since but they are mostly hidden with clothes. But I love them all, and they all mean something.

I dated a guy who had every inch of his legs, arms, back tattooed but kept them hidden. Until I posted a photo of him wearing shorts on SM and his parents went ballistic (he was only 45...!).

This made me laugh as the user name implies a wish start that most sheep inhabited of organisations - a cult!

As for tattoos some look great, personally I'm not a fan of the large neck ones. I think people will have less as they have less money to spend.

Well judging by the number of people in the tattoo parlour at the weekend I don't think it's off trend

@AchillesSuzuki AchillesSuzuki · Today 15:15

Varying cultures face different challenges. Britain does pretty bloody well compared to many most countries.

What does Britain do better than most countries?

So your judgement is pointless then @Newchapterbeckons

Visible tattoos render a doctor dangerous.

Hidden ones matter not a jot.

Make it make sense.