Tattooing
/təˈtuː.ɪŋ/noun
The practice of inserting pigment into the skin to create a permanent design or mark.
Did you know?The English word was popularized in Europe after Captain James Cook’s voyages, when sailors encountered Polynesian tattoo traditions in the 18th century.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-European Polynesia
Proto-Polynesian
*tatau
“To mark, strike, or create a patterned mark; the reconstructed source of the Polynesian term”
18th Century
Tahitian
tatau
“A skin-marking practice performed by tapping pigment into the body”
1769
English
tattow
“An imported term recorded during Captain Cook’s voyage, referring to Polynesian body marking”
18th Century
English
tattoo
“A permanent design made by puncturing the skin and inserting pigment”
Modern English
English
tattooing
“The ongoing practice or process of creating tattoos”