Tat Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on January 3, 2025 by Isabella Claire

The term “tat” is a form of internet slang. The remainder of this article will help you to learn how to use “tat” properly in everyday informal conversation. First, you will find this term defined, followed by the information available regarding its origin.

Then the article will highlight other possible meanings if there are any, provide some conversation examples so you can see how “tat” is used properly in forms of communication and, finally, suggest different ways this term can be said to convey the same meaning.

Tat Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • Tat as a shorthand for tattoo is a casual and informal way to refer to body art created by injecting ink into the skin. It’s widely used in conversations, especially among tattoo enthusiasts.
Tat Meaning
Tat Meaning – Created by 7ESL

Tat Meaning

What Does Tat Mean?

The slang term “tat” in the U.S. means a tattoo, otherwise known as a permanent drawing on a person’s skin.

Origin of Tat

“Tat” is not just a slang word used on the internet. Before the electronic communication became as popular as it is today, the word “tat” was being used in the sense above as a part of regular speech. According to the Miriam Webster Dictionary, “tat” was first used as an abbreviated version for the word tattoo in the U.S. in the year 1987. However, the word “tat” has been in use since 1858 and has taken to mean very different things over the years.

Usage of Tat

  • Referring to Existing Tattoos
    • “I love your new tat; it’s so detailed!”
    • “How many tats do you have now?”
  • Discussing Tattoo Ideas
    • “I’m thinking of getting a flower tat on my arm.”
    • “What’s your next tat going to be?”
  • Complimenting Tattoos
    • “That sleeve tat is incredible. Who’s your artist?”
    • “Your tat really suits you!”
  • Talking About Tattoo Pain or Experience
    • “Getting a tat on my ribs was super painful.”
    • “My first tat was a small one, just to test the waters.”
  • Tattoo Culture
    • “The convention had some of the best tat artists I’ve ever seen.”
    • “She’s known for her minimalist tats.”

Other Meanings

The term “tat” was first used in 1858, as mentioned previously. When first used, the meaning of this word was to work or make something by tatting. During this time, tatting was the artform of knitting intricate patterns from lace with knots and loops. In 1985, the term “tat” was used to describe a protein made in by a virus in the body like HIV.

This protein is said to be responsible for replicating T cells and causing the virus to spread more rapidly. In 1995, the term “tat” became a verb through the use of U.S. slang and the words “tatting” and “tatted,” both terms associated with actively getting a tattoo or preparing to get a tattoo. In England, the term “tat” often refers to things that some people would call junk or worthless.

Related Terms to Tat

  • Ink – Informal term referring to a tattoo.
    Example: “Check out my new ink!”
  • Body Art – General term for artistic designs on the skin.
    Example: “She specializes in intricate body art.”
  • Tat – Casual slang for a tattoo.
    Example: “I got a new tat yesterday.”
  • Piece – Refers to a specific tattoo design or artwork.
    Example: “This piece took three hours to complete.”
  • Sleeve – A tattoo or collection of tattoos that cover an arm.
    Example: “He’s working on a full sleeve.”
  • Work – Short for “tattoo work,” referring to the tattooing process or artwork.
    Example: “Her work is incredible!”
  • Inkwork – Artistic term for tattoos emphasizing the inking process.
    Example: “The inkwork on this is amazing.”

Other Ways to Say the Term

Some other ways you could say this abbreviated word and still convey the same meaning include:

  • tattoo
  • junk
  • rubbish

It is important to remember that when using another word in this scenario, you pay attention to the context the abbreviation is being used to know which substitute word is appropriate in the situation.

Tat Examples

Example Sentences

  • “I finally got my first tat, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.”
  • “She’s thinking about adding a new tat to her sleeve next week.”
  • “That small floral tat on her wrist is so delicate and beautiful.”
  • “After seeing his new tat, I’m inspired to get one myself.”
  • “I regret rushing into getting that tat, but luckily, it’s small enough to cover up.”
  • “He showed off his dragon tat, which took over five hours to complete.”
  • “I’m planning to get a matching tat with my best friend for our next adventure.”

Example Conversations

A text exchange between two friends in the U.S:

  • Friend 1: Are you going to do what you said this weekend?
  • Friend 2: What? Get a tat?
  • Friend 1: Yes! That!
  • Friend 2: Yeah, I already made the appointment to get it done.
  • Friend 1: You are braver than I am, that’s for sure.

A text exchange between two friends in the U.K:

  • Friend 1: You want to go out this weekend?
  • Friend 2: I can’t, I have to stay home and help my dad clean!
  • Friend 1: Lame! Why do you need to help him clean?
  • Friend 2: Because my mom keeps going out and bringing home a lot of tat then leaves it all for us to pick up!
  • Friend 1: You have more patience than me! I would tell her to clean it up herself!
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