TATTOOS HAVE COME a long way from the “sailor tats” or shaming “tramp stamp” labels of yore. These days they seem to be enjoying a renaissance, but have they ever not been in vogue?

You only have to glance around the supermarket or coffee shop to see them being worn with pride by what looks like every second person.

From a small motif representing a cultural perspective to full sleeve designs, images that cover an entire arm from shoulder to wrist, there’s a tattoo for everyone.

Even Popeye the Sailor Man had one.

Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Every tattoo is as unique as the individual “inked,” with every design telling a story. A staggering two billion people worldwide have at least one tattoo, and 20 years ago, the word “tattoo” itself was the most searched term on the internet.

The oldest one in the world belongs to Otzi, an Iceman, who died in the Alps around 3250 BC. His body was decorated with no fewer than 61 tattoos.

Even our smallest members of society sport them at certain times of the year – Halloween and birthday parties for the U10’s. Readily available, very temporary images of unicorns, crossbows and skulls can be transferred onto tender skin with just a few drops of cold water to wet the paper.

Growing up, we had Bazooka Joe bubble gum. A bright pink block of chew that included a simple........

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