Tramp stamp meaning

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn tramp stamp meaning affiliate commission. In the last few decades, tattoos have become a mainstay in pop culture. As parlors around the world get ready to celebrate Friday the 13th with flashes galore, our Pop-ink package examines how these skin markings have evolved beyond their traditional roots — from fandoms to family.

No matter what you call it, the lower back tattoo has earned its place in the halls of fashion history. Arguably, no other tattoo placement is as culturally divisive as a lower back tattoo on a woman. But why? And how did the association between lower back tattoos and sexual activity become so culturally ubiquitous? I had to know, so I did a little digging. Here is what I discovered. Tattoos on women were taboo in Western culture for most of the 20th century, and, as we all know, social expectations for women take a long time to adjust.

Tramp stamp meaning

We use the term tramp stamp to humorously label a lower back tattoo, but this phrase is also a way to drag down the reputation of women who receive it; illustrating even though tattoos have become more socially accepted, they still hold some negative stereotypes. Where "tramp stamp" came from is still a bit of a mystery. What is known is the popular references we've seen in comedy platforms. The expression boomed in popularity after a "Saturday Night Live" skit. From there, audiences saw, in reality, tv shows, such as Rock of Love , tramp stamps linked to a particular kind of woman; linked to being promiscuous. Research indicates the phrase was hatched between the mid-nineties and early s, quickly gaining an erotic undertone. Arguably, the tramp stamp was born in California. According to records taken from multiple tattoo studios in California, a large number of women requested lower back pieces in the late '90s echoing judgments from society about feminine sexuality. Why do women choose lower back tattoos? Because it's one of the few areas that doesn't change much over time, with weight fluctuation or age. Another motive for a lower back tattoo is it's easy to conceal compared to an arm, chest, or wrist tattoo. Lastly, the pain level is low compared to other places on the body. A recent study showed men found women with tattoos more approachable. But of course, the same men said these women gave them the perception that they had a better chance of sleeping with them.

Cite this Entry. Getty Images The star: Kate Moss.

Accessed 18 Mar. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free! See Definitions and Examples ». Cite this Entry Citation Share. Log In. She now finds herself embarrassed by the original tattoo, in part because … lower-back tattoos have come to take on a derogatory name: the tramp stamp. Word History.

All of our slang term and phrase definitions are made possible by our wonderful visitors. If you know of another definition of Tramp Stamp that should be included here, please let us know. Her tramp stamp had a blend of filigree, spirals, and butterflies, showing off her personal style. You getting a tramp stamp tattoo doesn't bother me. It would be you regretting it, so make sure you get a nice design.

Tramp stamp meaning

There is one meaning in OED's entry for the noun tramp stamp. Etymons: tramp n. Sign in with library card. Sign in as administrator on Oxford Academic. Please include your email address if you are happy to be contacted about your feedback. OUP will not use this email address for any other purpose.

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This very demonization of femininity is what makes a term like "tramp stamp" so harmful. Clearly, our tastes in clothing have evolved. Order Magazine Back Issues. Here's what I took away from our conversations:. To test this, he designed an experiment where a bikini-clad woman would lie face down on a towel at a beach. So basically, the lower back tattoo became the modern scarlet letter. Facebook 0 Twitter Pinterest 0 0 Likes. The rest of season three focuses on Ted's romance with the doctor who performs his laser tattoo removal. For the first time in decades, women are more likely to have tattoos than men. That might be because it's on my lower back: a so-called "tramp stamp. Gabriella Garcia had a similar experience. First Known Use. Check these out:. Allison McCarthy is a writer who currently lives in Maryland.

Karen L. Hudson is a tattoo artist and contributing writer. She has been an amateur artist as a hobby since grade school, and served a 12 month tattoo apprenticeship in a tattoo studio.

The design: Two sweet pea flowers. Bosnia and Herzegovina Sicanje code: hrv promoted to code: hr. Who knew…. Arrow Arrow. Word History. The idea of anyone gawking at my tattoo — something so personal on my body — makes me deeply uncomfortable, and so I made my choice, the one that left me open to crass jokes about "tramp stamps. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free! From there, audiences saw, in reality, tv shows, such as Rock of Love , tramp stamps linked to a particular kind of woman; linked to being promiscuous. For Esperanza, that long-dreamed of tattoo was well worth the wait. Pop-Porn: Pornography in American Culture. So basically, the lower back tattoo became the modern scarlet letter.