Word tattoos are very popular. Perhaps because of Angelina Jolie, who sports many word only tattoos, including a  Buddhist Pali incantation, written in Khmer script, they are more popular than ever.

While most tattoos are of images and or symbols, word tattoos are gaining popularity because you can express yourself very clearly.

Now, what words will you tattoo on yourself?

Remember tattoos are forever, so think of  yourself in your 70s with your tattoo…will it still be relative to you if you have a teenage slogan written on your arm? You loved the Spice Girls 8 years ago, do you still love them? Will you always want your first wife’s name tattooed on your body?

One suggestion for longevity is to try for famous or classic quotes. Poems, literature,  sonnets.

Ancient scripts of wise people are a good choice. If we are still reciting them, their wisdom is lasting.

Songs lyrics can work. Folk songs are a nice way to ground yourself to your culture.

Bits from speeches. Famous catch phrases.

If you are thinking of getting a word tattoo, there are many other things you must decide other than just words. You can think about choosing fonts, and typography. The above tattoo has a very nice script font, that makes it look handwritten. If you choose an old style font, it can look printed, more ominous.

How about writing in other languages? Ancient scripts or languages will assure that few will be able to read it.
Where will you place your tattoo? Think about how long your quote will be. then think about the best place to put it. Will it require a large space for the tattoo? Or a small one. How visible do you want it to be, or do you want it to be more secretive and mysterious.

You can also mix words with images in your tattoos.

Have fun and let us know what phrase you think will make the best word tattoo.

photo credit: ChiBart