# Tattoo... there? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 23, 2001, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-there/77756 "2001-08-23T18:04:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![sdimbert](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sdimbert/32/20204_2.png) [@sdimbert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sdimbert)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2001, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-there/77756/1 "2001-08-23T18:04:04Z")
I have seen something puzzling three or four times in the last 6 months or so. Since the weather has been warm, people have more skin exposed than they usually do, and I’ve seen people with tattoos in places I wouldn’t expect it. I have nothing against tattoing… I’ve seen them on peoples arms, legs, chests, buttocks, etc. But, now I’ve seen them on the small of someone’s back. I mean, right at the base of their spine, so the only way you can see it (under normal circumstances) is if they are facing away from you, bent over, so their shirt rides up away from their belt-line. The 3 or 4 that I’ve seen have been wide enough to cover the entire width of the back - they seem to be nothing more than colorful geometric designs… no words or pictures. I’m puzzled because this is just about the only area on my body that I _can’t see_, noway, nohow. So… who is that tatto there _for_? ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2001, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-there/77756/2 "2001-08-23T18:07:41Z")
Either the personal satisfaction of knowing that one has a tattoo, or for the viewing pleasure of whoever happens to be behind the tattooed one whilst the tattooed one is not wearing much in the way of clothing. ---
**Author:** ![Moirai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/96bed5/32.png) [@Moirai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moirai)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2001, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-there/77756/3 "2001-08-23T18:18:41Z")
I think it is a very sexy spot, and very popular with women right now. It is easily covered, but you can show it if you choose. That’s where mine was going, except that I got pregnant! Next year, I guess. I can’t easily see a tattoo on my upper back or shoulder blade either. As far as what a tattoo there is “for”, it’s the same as for any other tattoo. Personal preference, aesthetic value. Sometimes placement is important for the type, shape and size of a design. The tribal bands that you seem to be describing fit very well in that spot, as well as around biceps, forearms or legs. Other pieces work better on arms, backs, ankles, etc. Celtic knotwork is also great on the lower back. ---
**Author:** ![Tequila\_Mockingbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/41988e/32.png) [@Tequila\_Mockingbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tequila_Mockingbird)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2001, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-there/77756/4 "2001-08-23T18:28:54Z")
IIRC there’s even a name for a tattoo on the small of the back. It’s called a vanity belt. It’s also where I’d like to get my next tattoo. An easily covered up spot, but most clothing allows you show it off without disrobing,if desired. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2001, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-there/77756/5 "2001-08-23T18:29:11Z")
I had one patient who had the head of his penis tattooed. At least he could look at it, I guess. ---
**Author:** ![ChoosyChipsAndCeilingWhacks](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c77e96/32.png) [@ChoosyChipsAndCeilingWhacks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChoosyChipsAndCeilingWhacks)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2001, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-there/77756/6 "2001-08-23T18:32:11Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Qadgop the Mercotan \* > \*\*I had one patient who had the head of his penis tattooed. At least he could look at it, I guess. \*\* Hijack warning. Sorry. Seriously. **Qadgop** how do you react when you find someone has an unusual piercing or tattoo in your office? Signed, Nervous about the Gyne Visit ---
**Author:** ![Delta-9](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/3be4f8/32.png) [@Delta-9](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Delta-9)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2001, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-there/77756/7 "2001-08-23T18:33:01Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Qadgop the Mercotan \* > \*\*I had one patient who had the head of his penis tattooed. At least he could look at it, I guess. \*\* Am I the only guy who crossed his legs whe he read this? Yowch. ---
**Author:** ![Moirai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/96bed5/32.png) [@Moirai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moirai)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2001, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-there/77756/8 "2001-08-23T18:39:06Z")
Ok, **Sexy** , now you have to tell us! ---
**Author:** ![Tranquilis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tranquilis/32/3639_2.png) [@Tranquilis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tranquilis)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2001, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-there/77756/9 "2001-08-23T18:41:07Z")
> [@](#): > > Nervous about the Gyne Visit Anyone wanna guess what’s got **SexyWriter** all nerved-up…? Just a guess, but I’m pretty sure that unless you’ve got something _really_ unusual, the Doc’s seen it before. ---
**Author:** ![ChoosyChipsAndCeilingWhacks](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c77e96/32.png) [@ChoosyChipsAndCeilingWhacks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChoosyChipsAndCeilingWhacks)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2001, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-there/77756/10 "2001-08-23T18:41:36Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by EJsGirl \* > \*\*Ok, **Sexy** , now you have to tell us! \*\* Right labia piercing. Captive bead ring. We now return you to your regularly scheduled OP. -L (At least until Qagdop answers the question, which is very important!) ---
**Author:** ![plnnr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7ea924/32.png) [@plnnr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/plnnr)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2001, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-there/77756/11 "2001-08-23T18:46:55Z")
My one and only tattoo is located right in the center of my back, right at my belt line. Its a small “II” (gemini zodiac sign). Why there? For the reasons mentioned - I know its there, not too ostentatious, can only be seen if I want it to be seen, and feels great when my girlfriend kisses it. ---
**Author:** ![light\_strand](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a6a055/32.png) [@light\_strand](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/light_strand)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2001, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-there/77756/12 "2001-08-23T18:49:56Z")
That’s where my tatoo is located. I’ve had a biohazard symbol tatooed on the small back for about three years now. Why did I get it there? I suppose because I wanted the tatoo for me, not for anyone else, and I thought it was an ideal spot. It’s hidden enough that I could get a relatively large tatoo (it’s about 2 and a half inches in diameter) and in a spot where I can show it off if I want to. A word of caution though, getting this thing REALLY hurt! Then again, I mat be just a big wimp. ---
**Author:** ![Moirai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/96bed5/32.png) [@Moirai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moirai)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2001, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-there/77756/13 "2001-08-23T19:13:22Z")
**Sexy** , my doctor swears she has seen it all, you probably don’t need to worry! ---
**Author:** ![Jodi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7feea3/32.png) [@Jodi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jodi)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2001, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-there/77756/14 "2001-08-23T19:16:54Z")
> [@](#): > > Right labia piercing. Captive bead ring. Without being judgmental of anyone else’s choices, I have to say the odds are about even as to whether I’d poke my own eye out or have that done. ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2001, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-there/77756/15 "2001-08-23T19:19:52Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Jodi \* > \*\* > > > [@](#): > > > > Right labia piercing. Captive bead ring. > > Without being judgmental of anyone else’s choices, I have to say the odds are about even as to whether I’d poke my own eye out or have that done. \*\* Well, if there’s any chance at all of poking your eye out, you should _certainly_ have someone else do it! I’ve heard of clumsy, but that’s just going too far! ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2001, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-there/77756/16 "2001-08-23T19:22:16Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by SexyWriter \* > **Qadgop** how do you react when you find someone has an unusual piercing or tattoo in your office? > Signed, Nervous about the Gyne Visit \*\* I’ve seen it all before. I get the facts, and I no longer even ask questions like “and what role did the German Shepherd play in this?”. Then I just dispense the appropriate antibiotic or advice. ---
**Author:** ![Jodi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7feea3/32.png) [@Jodi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jodi)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2001, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-there/77756/17 "2001-08-23T19:28:20Z")
> [@](#): > > Well, if there’s any chance at all of poking your eye out, you should certainly have someone else do it! I’ve heard of clumsy, but that’s just going too far! Ha! Good point. I meant, of course, the voluntary choice between an eye-poking and a hoo-ha piercing. Of course, we all know I’d choose the latter (if a gun was to my head) but still . . . _:: Shudder ::_ ouchie ouchie ouchie. ---
**Author:** ![frock75](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ad7895/32.png) [@frock75](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/frock75)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2001, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-there/77756/18 "2001-08-23T19:35:54Z")
I’ve got a pretty big tattoo of a dragon between my shoulder blades. Most times I forget it’s even there. I also have my nipples pierced. I can see them. Through my shirt it looks like I have four nipples. ---
**Author:** ![JeffB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jeffb/32/188_2.png) [@JeffB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JeffB)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2001, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-there/77756/19 "2001-08-23T20:01:24Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by EJsGirl \* > \*\*I think it is a very sexy spot, and very popular with women right now. It is easily covered, but you can show it if you choose. > > That’s where mine was going, except that I got pregnant! Next year, I guess. > > I can’t easily see a tattoo on my upper back or shoulder blade either. As far as what a tattoo there is “for”, it’s the same as for any other tattoo. Personal preference, aesthetic value. > > Sometimes placement is important for the type, shape and size of a design. The tribal bands that you seem to be describing fit very well in that spot, as well as around biceps, forearms or legs. Other pieces work better on arms, backs, ankles, etc. > > Celtic knotwork is also great on the lower back. \*\* I agree completely with **EJsGirl**. I think tattoos on the lower back a very sexy. ---
**Author:** ![Ich\_Bin\_s](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e9c0ed/32.png) [@Ich\_Bin\_s](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ich_Bin_s)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2001, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-there/77756/20 "2001-08-23T20:09:03Z")
Tattoos across the front of one’s neck always baffle me. Maybe I’m touchy about the whole adam’s apple thing. The lead singer for Lungfish has a huge flower on the front of his neck that made me whince every time I’d look at it. Bass player for Him/June of 44 has what looks like stylized starfish on both elbows…very cool I have my shoulders and collarbones tattooed, and part of my left armpit. Now THAT hurt. Also both nipples pierced twice, which I finally took out last year because it basically turned me into a helpless wimpering blob if they got smacked. I really like the small-of-the-back tattoos, too. Yummy. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-there/77756.md?page=2)