Yesterday Bossy wrote about Robert Downey Jr.’s tattoo, and it got Bossy thinking about Robert Downey Jr. tattoos.
Bossy admires tattoos but never wanted to get one herself, mostly because of their permanence. Also you’re stuck with it. But lately Bossy can appreciate the value of selecting a particular image, word, name, or icon that holds a profound meaning for a point in time.
In fact, Bossy is an expert in these matters because she got her master’s degree in Tattoo Iconography, which means she used to watch Miami Ink. And Bossy is here to tell you most people have a very interesting and complex story behind their tattooed images. Tattoos represent a turning point in the past, or a new beginning. They represent people and places and the things that happened there.
Many people select Chinese characters to express something:
While some people choose the name of a loved one they can carry with them, forever:
Some people select only a very small image, modestly placed:
While others showcase a larger scene across an expanse of skin:
These days Bossy likes to contemplate which tattoo image she would select and where it would be placed. Four years ago, Bossy’s kids drew a couple of tattoos on Bossy for a Halloween costume party:
When it comes to the permanent image Bossy contemplates tattooing on her upper arm, she has this to say: Barbed wire, really? And it would symbolize what? Bossy’s captivity?
Which is what today’s Ten-Word Challenge is all about. In exactly ten words, can you tell Bossy and her council what sort of image you would tattoo if you could, and what that image means?
And be sure to check back later today for the most tattooed comments on the web.
If you missed last week’s Ten-Word Challenge, click here to see where Bossy and her council would choose to move if they were leaving their homeland.
And don’t miss Bossy’s new feature, debuting today at the bottom of her left column. Look! It’s Bossy’s son!
The Domestic Goddess says
January 12, 2010 at 11:13 amNo tattoos here, I stand out enough as it is.
BOSSY says
January 12, 2010 at 11:17 amChain w/a missing link. Symbolizes much, like broken blog. More.
Jane says
January 12, 2010 at 11:19 amFlowers, fairies, color. I have it. Started at 45!
Judy says
January 12, 2010 at 11:20 amThought small ones were cute,
Then heard words ‘tramp stamp.’
Eric says
January 12, 2010 at 11:22 amOn my ass would say, “One Way, Do Not Enter!”
Miss Spoken says
January 12, 2010 at 11:26 amMy marbles, so that I may never lose them again.
Average Jane says
January 12, 2010 at 11:44 amAn art nouveau floral design, but haven’t found it yet.
vuboq says
January 12, 2010 at 11:49 amDragon – spiralling up my right calf, symoblizing … um … my dragon-ness?
Biddy says
January 12, 2010 at 11:52 amtreble clef on my foot because I’m an Alto singer
bdaiss says
January 12, 2010 at 11:54 amTigger playing hockey, but will never do it – hates needles.
Alison says
January 12, 2010 at 11:54 amVeuve Cliquot logo. The champagne for me, the anchor for my father, the star for my mother. It’s perfect. And I have it.
Lizzy says
January 12, 2010 at 11:58 amI prefer originality expressed with new shoes cuz’ tattoos? Argh.
operagal says
January 12, 2010 at 11:59 amI have one – a small snake that moves down my pinky finger.
kj says
January 12, 2010 at 11:59 amI have a tat- hubby’s initials in a heart –permanent.
Tuli says
January 12, 2010 at 12:02 pmI’m already tattooed – elephant and armadillo living in perfect harmony.
BOSSY says
January 12, 2010 at 12:03 pmMaybe a little bee, like the one in Bossy’s bonnet.
WebSavvyMom says
January 12, 2010 at 12:10 pm–>Wanted 4-leaf clover somewhere that didn’t stretch. Hence, no tattoo.
http://www.WebSavvyMom.com
BOSSY says
January 12, 2010 at 12:14 pmWhich part of the body has the least pain receptors?
choosy says
January 12, 2010 at 12:15 pmtwo flowers, one bud. two children, one lost soul. mine.
wendy says
January 12, 2010 at 12:16 pmpost cubs game – ladybug on leaf – no regrets – want more
krg says
January 12, 2010 at 12:20 pmanything, symbolizing that I have gone out of my mind
FireMom says
January 12, 2010 at 12:24 pmOne is a Celtic knot symbolizing eternity for my daughter.
Philly says
January 12, 2010 at 12:25 pmTattoo Jim just needled me up on my foot…..Ouch !
BOSSY says
January 12, 2010 at 12:28 pmBossy has tattoos! All kinds! Wait, those are varicose veins.
corrie says
January 12, 2010 at 12:28 pma ying-yang symbol surrounded by blue waves~ life’s balance &beauty
Kim says
January 12, 2010 at 12:29 pmMy baby’s newborn footprint; she’s only going to grow up!
Owengirl79 says
January 12, 2010 at 12:31 pmHubster’s name and mine mean the same…inside flower crescent.
BOSSY says
January 12, 2010 at 12:31 pmA little letter ‘G’ for Bossy. Spelling not strong suit.
BOSSY says
January 12, 2010 at 12:33 pmOutline of state of Georgia? Would only look ridiculously misshapen.
BOSSY says
January 12, 2010 at 12:35 pmA cashew! And it can double as a hideous birthmark.
BOSSY says
January 12, 2010 at 12:37 pmOn upper arm. How about: “You know who you are.”
Lisa says
January 12, 2010 at 12:44 pmEver seen how a tatoo looks on old wrinkly skin?
Natalie says
January 12, 2010 at 12:45 pmMunch ‘paper bag princess’ character – you r your own person
CageFreeFamily says
January 12, 2010 at 12:45 pmHave two. 12 years, no regrets. Delicate Flowers on hip and nape of neck. No meaning, just pretty decoration. Want more.
Mary K says
January 12, 2010 at 12:48 pmI’m Irish. Ladybug on shamrock. Lower back. Looowwwwer. MUCH pain.
confused says
January 12, 2010 at 12:50 pmin 20 years-nursing home-boobs to knees-not pretty
Tasha says
January 12, 2010 at 12:51 pm“Breathe,” in white, on my wrist. ‘Cause I forget sometimes.
dusty says
January 12, 2010 at 12:59 pmtree:life . rose:father . magnolia:past . heart:love . celtic:knot
Lauren says
January 12, 2010 at 1:04 pmMaybe an infinity symbol because I want to be immortal.
sugarpie says
January 12, 2010 at 1:05 pmDeciding on a sofa I like took me 20 years.
Suzanne says
January 12, 2010 at 1:05 pmI have a sun…gift to myself after my divorce.
Stacey Ball says
January 12, 2010 at 1:05 pmI’m thinking the babies first footprint tattoo’d on my foot.
GK in MI says
January 12, 2010 at 1:08 pmWorked at VA, saw many old tattoos, just say NO!
La Suzette says
January 12, 2010 at 1:09 pminvisible tattoos all over, painless, pretty – permanent ink? eeeeewwwww!
Shelley says
January 12, 2010 at 1:09 pmRDJ would be much sexier sans cigarette. I’m just sayin’.
Acher says
January 12, 2010 at 1:10 pmMy “tramp stamp” inked before “tramp stamp” term became vogue.
Shelley says
January 12, 2010 at 1:10 pmThe above? Not a tattoo. No tattoos on me. Ever.
Acher says
January 12, 2010 at 1:11 pm2nd tat will be a little owl, Charley Harper style
BOSSY says
January 12, 2010 at 1:15 pmAcross lower back: Cusack? All this could have been yours.
Andrea's Sweet Life says
January 12, 2010 at 1:15 pmForgive & Forget, one on each wrist. Or each foot.
Dharmamama says
January 12, 2010 at 1:17 pmGot two: om – nape, enso (zen symbol) – upper arm. Spiritual.
Linda :) says
January 12, 2010 at 1:22 pmthinking of celtic knot, nape of neck, children’s names entwined
BOSSY says
January 12, 2010 at 1:23 pmLower back: Objects not viewed in mirror smaller than they appear.
Dharmamama says
January 12, 2010 at 1:27 pmNext: Mary – forearm. She’s helped me, despite my pagan ways.
linlah says
January 12, 2010 at 1:28 pmToo permanent, so I got my belly button pierced instead.
BOSSY says
January 12, 2010 at 1:31 pmHow about: I love you WordPress? Are there ironic tattoos?
Sallie (FullTime-Life) says
January 12, 2010 at 1:37 pmToo old. Wanna’ think upper-arm tats on your grandmother?
Jodi Anderson says
January 12, 2010 at 1:39 pmHusband and I have this: “science.” and birthdate in binary.
GrandeMocha says
January 12, 2010 at 1:41 pmCan I get an epidural first?
Meg at the Members Lounge says
January 12, 2010 at 1:41 pmCan’t do it. Not after I saw Snoopy tattooed on a woman’s breast at the beach. It was already starting to head the way of Fred Basset.
rebecca says
January 12, 2010 at 1:59 pmSymbol for Father Martin Ashley’s Treatment Center, SAVED my life.
Amy says
January 12, 2010 at 2:02 pmA butterfly to signify coming through difficulties and flying above.
Bridget says
January 12, 2010 at 2:12 pmI have two: LOVE (like the Park), and a tree.
BH says
January 12, 2010 at 2:15 pmLike Radio Raheem (I am PARAPHRASING!) , LOVE on left hand, PEACE on right.
BH
Jenn @ Juggling LIfe says
January 12, 2010 at 2:18 pmI’m so not a tattoo person and I’m not changing.
(But Bossy would look fab in any tattoo)
Jan says
January 12, 2010 at 2:47 pmMy kids names; how cliche. That’s why I don’t bother.
p/f says
January 12, 2010 at 2:48 pmI’d know the minute AFTER I actually got a tattoo.
APeetsMom says
January 12, 2010 at 2:49 pmA couple of Moonstones on the nape of my neck.
Rorrington the Fireman says
January 12, 2010 at 2:58 pmAlready getting one; My Fire Company; while wife’s away. (Heh.)
BossysMom says
January 12, 2010 at 3:00 pmI’m thinking of having Ashley Judd’s face tatooed on mine.
dgm says
January 12, 2010 at 3:08 pmAlready have a Liberty Bell–works on so many levels.
K says
January 12, 2010 at 3:15 pmMet someone tatttoed “Angle Child” – spell check is a must.
K says
January 12, 2010 at 3:16 pmIf they didn’t freak me out – I have the perfect idea.
K says
January 12, 2010 at 3:17 pmMy boys think they’re cool – hope that they outgrow this.
David says
January 12, 2010 at 3:42 pmSomething in Hebrew, if it wasn’t a sin in Judaism.
Martie says
January 12, 2010 at 3:44 pmA small number 1. I’ve always wanted to be #1.
Gillian says
January 12, 2010 at 3:49 pmMy son’s name in my husband’s handwriting. But where?
BOSSY says
January 12, 2010 at 4:06 pm(Wow, Gillian, Bossy loves the idea of it being in someone’s handwriting, and THAT THERE conveys the thing…)
(You see, parenthesis excuses the ten-word challenge.)
(That, it seems, is a new rule.) (Heh.)
BOSSY says
January 12, 2010 at 4:09 pmCouncil, do not miss Bossy’s mom’s comment, #70. Sister mercy.
Heather says
January 12, 2010 at 4:18 pmTurning my boring 15 year old bird into a PHOENIX.
(Using the parenthesis rule here… with a pound of bacon its talon… maybe…)
lora says
January 12, 2010 at 4:27 pmthere will be lots of old folks with wrinkly tattoos.
(I’m totally cool with being one of them. It’s not like untattooed old skin is a joy to behold or anything.
BOSSY says
January 12, 2010 at 4:37 pmHow about: A plot of skin available for lease here.
Texas Susan says
January 12, 2010 at 4:47 pmBossy’s mom rocks the council yet again; very funny response!
(Tattoo = no thanks; love the parenthesis rule)
kathleen says
January 12, 2010 at 5:03 pmno tatoos…gain weight you have great big ink blob
Mr Farty says
January 12, 2010 at 5:11 pmA castle atop a rock, to symbolise the Edinburgh Tattoo.
Jenn says
January 12, 2010 at 5:16 pmWorking on a “pantleg”; timed to cover emerging veins!
Hope says
January 12, 2010 at 5:22 pmI like math so I got pi – it’s neverending, dude.
Kelly, The Glass Dragonfly says
January 12, 2010 at 5:33 pmThe heart, not any heart, but Sunny’s heart. Miss her!
Maureen in IL says
January 12, 2010 at 5:40 pmI would like a memorial tattoo on my inner wrist: names of son’s 20 year old girlfriend & friend killed in car accident. My son was driving. I just can’t seem to figure out the design. I know, not ten words.
Kate says
January 12, 2010 at 6:24 pmA “W” on each butt cheek, that way, when I bend over, it would say “MOM” or “WOW” depending on which way you were looking at it
Reeb says
January 12, 2010 at 6:29 pmHenna vines on inner thighs. Henna’s three-weeks = max. Husband likes.
Reeb says
January 12, 2010 at 6:29 pmGPS coordinates, children’s birth locations. Wait! Forgot to have children!
Bridget says
January 12, 2010 at 6:34 pmHmmm – won’t do it ever – but maybe a buzzing bee?
Just Juli says
January 12, 2010 at 7:15 pmSmall Chinese symbol “Te”. Power or virtue of the small.
NellyFrittata says
January 12, 2010 at 7:20 pmBossy’s Mom…bwahaha! No tattoos here…nurses know better.
POD says
January 12, 2010 at 7:45 pmI would tattoo a thinner person on top of my robustness. Sort of a trompe l’oeil tattoo.
Dawn in Austin says
January 12, 2010 at 8:32 pmI’ll get “Mom”; because three kids, 11 tattoos, no “MOM”.
Lolly says
January 12, 2010 at 8:32 pmGot through that phase. Now I’m so glad I did.
madtexter says
January 12, 2010 at 8:33 pmGot my bicep tat in 2000. Sort of a barbed wire motive. It’s meant to block out the past, so I can move into the future. It was a ‘millenniuml’ thing for me. Now, I can’t imagine living without it. (Okay, that’s more than 10 words)
Kiss, kiss!
Catherine McP says
January 12, 2010 at 9:10 pm2 daughters, me, all have same squiggled line on foot.
I didnt want one, and they went and paid for mine and gave it to me in gift certificate form for my B-day..Guilt. Had to do it then!
linda dorris says
January 12, 2010 at 9:24 pmTurquoise cross on inside ankle for bday #55.
Ranger says
January 12, 2010 at 10:24 pmBest comment section ever. Way too chicken and big for tats.
Kate@And Then I Was a Mom says
January 12, 2010 at 10:32 pmSomething stunning above foot, to deter later-in-life cankles.
Cupcake Murphy says
January 12, 2010 at 10:33 pmHummingbird that morphs into pelican when I’m older than dirt.
Cupcake Murphy says
January 12, 2010 at 10:37 pmThe number 9 million. Times I’ve cursed at Fox News.
Cupcake Murphy says
January 12, 2010 at 10:39 pmA portrait of Sanford and Son in silhouette. Just because.
Cupcake Murphy says
January 12, 2010 at 10:48 pmJust above my sagging bazooms: Majestic Mountains Were Once Here
Arli says
January 12, 2010 at 11:21 pmHave butterfly tat in memory of beloved uncle’s “Butterfly Theory”.
amy says
January 12, 2010 at 11:37 pmNo tats but if I did would have the initials of my 3 kids, hubby and a teeny tiny Jeep logo.. Somewhere where no one could see…
Red Hamster says
January 12, 2010 at 11:48 pmI think I will just enjoy everyone else’s tattos, ok?
mia says
January 12, 2010 at 11:48 pmall I can say is i had a tattoo before girls havin’ tattoos was cool. hehehe.. and if you ever knew the REST of that story hehehe… buh bye!
The Know it All says
January 12, 2010 at 11:58 pmpresent — to remind me of the gifts i’ve been given
Baby Favorite says
January 13, 2010 at 1:04 amMother’s rolling over in her grave. Iris/kids’ names.
(Sorry, 10 words is not enough here! Must explain! I was raised by June & Ward Cleaver, hence the rolling-over-in-the-grave over the tattoo. BUT… I got an iris in memory of my mother–they were her passion–and then I had to include my two kids’ names, since they’re *my* passion. P.S. I can’t believe you visited my blog. It was better than if the Queen of England had visited it. Or Dooce. Or Robert Downey Jr. You get the idea.)
Love,
150-Word Commenter
naomi says
January 13, 2010 at 3:55 ami got a dragon fly tattoo on my right inner forearm when i returned to school at 44 to start my undergrad degree. i have it now and am working on my masters (more playing right now, but that’s just semantics).
i wouldn’t recommend getting a barbed wire tattoo unless you’ve been to prison, same with the spider’s web.
mia says
January 13, 2010 at 6:41 ami’ve got one from 30 yrs ago before girls getting tats was cool hehehe and- all THAT means is i was really, really intoxicated 🙂
janny226 says
January 13, 2010 at 8:13 amBefore I comment officially I have to say how impressed I am that Bossy looks good as a brunette and a blonde. Oh, and also, I actually learned something from your intro about why people get tattoos — what does that say that I get my social data from you, Bossy? (It says, “Please don’t stop writing!”) Anyway.
Cross on my hand would remind me I am loved.
Amy in NJ says
January 13, 2010 at 9:43 amOL of Guadalupe, my right shoulder, because i love her
Leslie says
January 13, 2010 at 10:48 amoriginally small rosebud on breast-25 yrs later-longstem rose!
jl.b says
January 13, 2010 at 11:42 amBUTTERFLY: because i am thyroid cancer survivor (thyroid is butterfly-shaped)
Melanie says
January 13, 2010 at 12:37 pmDolphin mother, baby; most important job, but not only job
Sallie (FullTime-Life) says
January 13, 2010 at 12:43 pmCupcake (105). It would be agony to tattoo that #, because you’d have to change it at least once every day if you keep watching that crap ;>).
Bossy’s moms comment could be a whole new ten-word Tuesday theme ;
not an only child says
January 13, 2010 at 3:49 pmThe letter G in memory of my dead little brother.
peterpanic says
January 13, 2010 at 4:28 pmstylized question mark on thigh since me certain of nothing
meleah rebeccah says
January 13, 2010 at 5:41 pmJust Say NO To Getting A Tattoo
JC says
January 13, 2010 at 5:53 pmGrandkids initials and a tiny crown, on wrist, under watch.
Alissa says
January 13, 2010 at 8:22 pmDragonfly = mystery + romance. Cycle of Life. Sexy Cat.
Kerri Anne says
January 14, 2010 at 1:41 amI have four; next is a buttercup, for my dad.
Melanie @ Mel, A Dramatic Mommy says
January 14, 2010 at 2:49 amCeltic symbol for the number three, to help make peace.
ally tart check says
January 14, 2010 at 5:15 pmivy vine toe ring might resemble fungus; hence, no ink.
amy says
January 15, 2010 at 1:52 amHey Mommy (above) I love that. Not only do I love the # 3 (three kids) but peace is a cool message too. Must google 🙂
Small Jeep logo, always wanted, got and moving on; hidden!
Beckytwogirls says
January 15, 2010 at 10:00 amI have two girls named Laura and Sara. I always wanted to get the Luverne & Shirley “LS” monogram on my chest. Going to have a third kid this year with a “J” name. Not sure how I’d work that in. Wasn’t there a Jimmy character in that show? But they didn’t have LSJ on their shirts. Oh well.
Amber says
January 15, 2010 at 3:31 pmTribal appearance but represents path friend’s car took in wreck. (Too much meaning for only 10 words. My best friend and I got in a fight about whether drugs and alcohol would affect our lives in the long run. He felt they couldn’t, and left in a rage because I disagreed with him. He was hit by a drunk driver on the way home that night and his car rolled over four times before sliding into a tree and killing him instantly. I designed the tat to look like a tribal, but it reminds me every time I look at it to stay away from things that seem innocent but can change everything in an instant.
Abbie Dahl says
January 18, 2010 at 12:56 pm18 skipbo logo. regret. 32 covered up with lotus flower.