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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To want this tattoo?

53 replies

custardismyhamster · 27/12/2010 20:10

Bit of background-I'm not normally into tattoos but my auntie died in august (cancer, she was 47) and I wanted to have something as a tribute to her-my cousins got 'mum' tattooed before she died and she loved it.

I was thinking of 8,3,1 which is in a take that song (and also, I'm told, a universally known meaning?)

Do you know what that means (eight letters, three words one meaning, ie I love you) and is it naff?

OP posts:
AnnieLobeseder · 27/12/2010 20:27

No no no! I love tattoos, but only as art. Sorry, but IMO, letters and numbers aren't art. They're nasty and naff.

As someone said, tattoos tend to get a marmite reaction, but to me, they're like clothes. You get beautiful, well designed, classy clothes which are an art form in their expression.

And then you get clothes like this.

BustleInYourHedgerow · 27/12/2010 20:29

OH THANK YOU moondog!! Discrete/discreet wrecks my tits and it's always on a 'sensitive' thread so I can't be a pedantic moo and mention it:)

Personally I think it's a bit naff ('naff' is a bit naff now though, isn't it? Hmm), but I am the proud bearer of a comedy tatto that people recoil in horror when they see what it relly is, so if you like it, fuck it, go for it.

oneortwo · 27/12/2010 20:30

but what if you're not number 831, but 8/10 for looks, 3/10 for snogging and 1/10 in bed! Shock, Grin

Original poster
custardismyhamster · 27/12/2010 20:30

oneortwo-it was his pet name for her lol

OP posts:
GandalfyCarawak · 27/12/2010 20:30

"Why don't you get..ooh I don;t know, Mandarin figures meaning 'The special one' and butterflies dancing around a flower?"

Why the bloody hell shouldn't she? Because it doesn't fit into your idea of grieving? How judgmental you are.

BustleInYourHedgerow · 27/12/2010 20:31

Ha! just made several spelling mistakes in that and it serves me right. Too much Christmas cheapo Lidl 'Baileys'...

KalokiMallow · 27/12/2010 20:31

The only thing to consider with a tattoo is, do you like it? And will it still be important to you even when it is faded an you are old?

If you answer yes to both then do it, and sod anyone else's opinion.

Original poster
custardismyhamster · 27/12/2010 20:31

bustle-wouldnt have bothered me if you had pointed that out-it has no reflection on my question or anything x

OP posts:
dementedma · 27/12/2010 20:33

if it means something to you then go for it but 831 means nothing to me. first I've heard of it!

Bunbaker · 27/12/2010 20:34

"I was thinking of 8,3,1 which is in a take that song (and also, I'm told, a universally known meaning?)"

I have no idea what it means. I am not a tattoo fan and agree that it is a good idea to have it done somewhere where it can be hidden should the need arise.

oneortwo · 27/12/2010 20:36

one thing it might mean to some people though....Hmm = where else were numbers tatooed on people? best avoid getting it done on the forearm!

bibbitybobbitysantahat · 27/12/2010 20:36

If you are under, say, 40, and want to be just a little bit unique then I would say don't have a tattoo. Cos everyone else in your age group does.

thenightsky · 27/12/2010 20:43

Nay, nay and thrice nay.

Don't get a ta'oo

SixtyFootDoll · 27/12/2010 20:44

YEs Bibbity i am with Ozzy OSbourne on tattoos.
'If you want to be diferent dont get a fucking tattoo'

musicmadness · 27/12/2010 20:45

I know the meaning of it but if you didn't maybe you should pick something else? I love tattoos but if you want one to remember your aunt I would pick something that was special to both of you or something you really like now that reminds you of her. Tattoos are a personal thing and as long as you like it that's what matters.

TheFoosa · 27/12/2010 20:48

what bibbity said

every bugger and their dog has a tattoo

ladydeedy · 27/12/2010 20:49

do you need to get out more?

deaddei · 27/12/2010 20:50

Just don't get 666.

SparkleRat · 27/12/2010 20:50

V sorry about your aunt but I'm sure you could think of a much nicer way to remember her than by permanently scarring your body. (Just my opinion, obviously)

AnnieLobeseder · 27/12/2010 20:51

Thread hijack to sulk about nobody finding my link hilarious (who me? needy?) Sad

OnthefirsdayofMrsDeVere · 27/12/2010 20:58

If you like it, do it. One thing I would say - dont get it on your neck.

When I was younger (I am 43) most tattoist wouldnt tatto necks or faces. Now you see them all the time.

Some people can carry them off but they do tend to be fairly alternative. Neck tattoos are not good on your average person.

I really want a tattoo for my DD but I keep putting it off because it has to be perfect and I just cant find the right image. I will have it where it cant be seen though. Its for me.
I want a butterfly of some sort. I KNOW they can be naff but they have a very deep meaning for me and DD so it has to be a butterfly. Sooooooo if any artists are reading this - any ideas would be very, very much appreciated.

SantaMousePink · 27/12/2010 21:10

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

DanceInTheDark · 27/12/2010 21:18

I have 3 tattoos and getting a 4th soon. All of them have a meaning for ME and no one else. 2 were adapted from the original 'flash' by me. I don't care if people dislike them.

However you asked for an opinion and at first i was a bit "eh?" at the numbers then when you told us what they mean (Its not universally known as demonstrated by this thread) it made me think of prisoners of war.

SantaMousePink · 27/12/2010 21:23

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

looblylu · 27/12/2010 21:29

i realise this is a little off topic, but my father is a jeweller and used to make a lot of 831 pendants a few years ago. (so before the take that song!)

Maybe something like that (i.e meaningful and beautiful but not permanently emblazoned on your flesh) would be a nice tribute to your aunt?