When I started university, I had the option of taking either ancient Hebrew or Latin. Of course I chose Hebrew! But after taking a gander at these bad Latin tattoos, part of me wishes I had taken Latin just to mock the poor souls who got these done.
Sure we all want something cool on our bodies, but as the writer of the Wayward Classicist blog says, don’t put English into a Latin translator and expect something decent to pop out. It just doesn’t work that way, because when a bad Latin tattoo is misspelled on you, it is misspelled forever.
By the way, the 4th photo actually translates as ‘He is better as I appear hated on behalf of what I am
than as I appear I like on behalf of what not I am.’ Awesome.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Spell Check Tattoo Services
- Opportunity to offer tattoo services specifically aimed at checking the spelling and translation of Latin phrases before inking, possibly through the use of AI technology.
- Educational Latin Social Media Channels
- Opportunity for social media channels to offer educational content and courses about Latin language and culture, particularly geared towards those interested in getting Latin tattoos.
- Resurgence of Classical Language Tattoos
- Opportunity for tattoo studios to capitalize on the popularity of classical language tattoos by hiring artists skilled in Latin translations and creating unique custom designs for customers.
Where This Applies
- Tattoo Industry
- Tattoo artists and studios may need to adapt their services and invest in educational and technology tools to cater to a growing demand for Latin language tattoos.
- AI Language Technology
- Companies specializing in AI translation may consider targeting the tattoo industry to create specific products or services aimed at helping artists and customers ensure accurate translation of Latin language tattoos.
- Education Industry
- Educational institutions with courses on classical languages such as Latin may use the trend of misspelled tattoos to not only educate on the language but also on the importance of obtaining correct translations and spellings before getting inked.
