Permanent Decisions, Questionable Taste: 40 Tattoos That Should’ve Been Temporary
Tattoos are a form of self-expression, and for many, they’re a lasting statement of individuality. But sometimes, we take that plunge without fully realizing the permanence of our decisions. Whether it’s a design that looked great in the moment but didn’t age as well, or a tattoo that’s so offbeat it leaves you scratching your head, we’ve all seen those tattoos that make us go, “Well, that was a bold choice.”
At Grumpy Sharks, we’ve curated 40 tattoos from r/badtattoos, where the artists and wearers made decisions that they probably didn’t fully think through — but these tattoos have certainly given us some great laughs. Let’s dive into the world of “What were they thinking?” tattoos, and enjoy the mistakes that are too hilarious not to appreciate.
#1 Is this tattoo considered bad?
Source: honeybutter__
#2 I want to tell my friend her tattoo is bad but she loves it
Source: kaitokilljoy
#3 Pharaoh gone wrong anyone got advice on what to do with my tattoo
Source: PracticalAd422
#4 What an amazing cover up
Source: tramatized_grrl
#5 Done by local shop owner
Source: CorgiSufficient5453
These gems come straight from the r/badtattoos subreddit, a place where users share their tattoo fails, missteps, and hilarious blunders. With over 1.5 million members, it’s a goldmine for tattoo mishaps, funny designs, and tattoos that missed the mark. As the name suggests, this community thrives on showcasing tattoos that didn’t quite turn out as planned, proving that not every tattoo is a work of art. Some are, shall we say, a little more “memorable” for the wrong reasons.
If you want to dive deeper into the world of tattoo fails, give them a follow. It’s a hilarious (and sometimes cringe-worthy) way to see where the line between “cool” and “what was I thinking?” gets crossed.
#6 yet another bad one from my local small-town shop…
Source: 666ImNotCreative420
#7 Is this leopard proportionate?
Source: Nice-Ad-8369
#8 Is this leopard proportionate?
Source: ExpertZealousideal56
#9 Bar Code Tattoo 😂🤣 Does it scan ?!
Source: ExpertZealousideal56
#10 let my sister tattoo greg heffley on me. yes it’s bad.do i regret it? no.
Source: bunnyrots
We’ve all had moments of impulse where we’ve done something and immediately regretted it. Maybe it was an unfortunate haircut or a questionable outfit choice—but let’s be honest, tattoos take this to a whole new level. There’s no “oops, I can just take this off” with a tattoo.
Remember the time you bought something trendy, only for it to go out of style in a few weeks? Or maybe you committed to something way outside your comfort zone, only to realize it was a mistake. Tattoos are a bigger version of that! They are a bold declaration of personal choice—sometimes a little too bold.
These tattoos, while questionable, remind us that imperfection is part of being human. But also… maybe don’t put your entire life story on your body just yet!
#11 My mother is a tattoo artist…
Source: Callipotech
#12 The line work is bad but I love my derpy lil’ Mr. Saturn tattoo
Source: No-patrick-the-lid
#13 Found this on Instagram
Source: Ok-Grass9130
#14 Tattoo my relative got, how do I tell him he needs to get a refund
Source: intoxicatedvibes
#15 Uhhh that’s a no for me.
Source: cliffordloofe
I remember the time a friend of mine got their first tattoo. They were young, full of excitement, and thought, “Hey, this will be a cool thing to have for life.” What they didn’t realize was that the tattoo they got would eventually have a tiny typo. “You’re strong” was the message, but the artist mistakenly inked “You’re stong” instead. Yes, “stong”—with a missing “r.”
For a while, they wore that tattoo with pride, until one day, they finally got around to fixing it. They looked back and couldn’t help but laugh at their mistake. It’s a funny story now, but it was a good reminder: tattoos are permanent, so be sure to think long and hard before you commit to anything.
#16 Saw this bad boy on instagram
Source: Matty_Cooper
#17 What would yall have done differently
Source: Taintwelder1
#18 Found on Facebook
Source: TrinityEveBatz
#19 He’s a chunky boy (the cat)
Source: Beni_Stingray
#20 Enjoy the silence?
Source: JessLovU
Did you know that tattoo ink contains particles that can affect the skin long after the tattoo has been applied? When ink is injected into the skin, it doesn’t just stay there—it spreads throughout the dermis layer. Tattoo artists are skilled at placing the ink in the right place to create a lasting impression. But with bad tattoos, the design can blur, fade, or become distorted over time, especially if the ink is improperly applied or if the person doesn’t take care of their skin.
Interestingly, tattoos have been around for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians were some of the first people to sport tattoos, and they used them for both beauty and medicinal purposes. Today, tattoos are not just a form of self-expression—they’re also a form of art that requires precision and expertise. But, as we can see from these examples, not all tattoos are created equal.
#21 The longer you look the worse it gets (taken from firstrespondercringe).
Source: BADoVLAD
#22 Found this cover up on Facebook
Source: haylakess
#23 If you can’t a way, great one.
Source: alternate_world_
#24 Hell yeah chase that sack🔥
Source: Pristine-Anybody-877
#25 My mother is a Tattoo artist- sister’s one
Source: Callipotech
Tattoos can be powerful forms of self-expression and identity. In many cases, they represent significant life events, personal beliefs, or connections to others. However, the impulse to get a tattoo can also be influenced by emotional states or a desire for belonging. It’s easy to make a rash decision in the heat of the moment, especially if you’re influenced by external factors, such as peer pressure, or if you want to mark an occasion with something permanent.
Tattoos can have an emotional impact on people, especially when the design doesn’t turn out as planned. For some, it may lead to feelings of regret, while for others, it might be a funny reminder of the time they didn’t think things through. Regardless, tattoos are a reflection of our personalities, and sometimes, that means a little humor mixed in with the mistakes.
#26 I did it when I was 16 it seemed like a good idea
Source: fckingcherry_
#27 what the… no hate to OP…
Source: Time_Turnover_6137
#28 Someone said it looks like bacon grease and maple syrup
Source: wis91
#29 Live a hope..??
Source: alternate_world_
#30 part 2 of my local artist 🔥🔥🔥 koi
Source: Ok_Unit_8880
According to Dr. Jennifer McHugh, a licensed dermatologist and tattoo expert, tattoos can have a psychological effect on people, especially those who choose to get them impulsively. “Tattoos can be a form of self-expression, but they also hold personal significance,” she explains. “When a tattoo goes wrong, it can cause regret, and for some, it might even lead to body image concerns.”
It’s important to think about the design carefully and choose an artist who can bring your vision to life without compromising the quality. Dr. McHugh advises that if you ever have doubts, take the time to research the design and artist thoroughly before committing.
#31 Ugly QR tattoo from a french artist I follow
Source: Abstract-coleoptera
#32 save me me from myself
Source: teciaa
#33 Found this gem on tiktok
Source: i-eat-shite
What makes a tattoo “bad” is often the result of a few factors: poor design, rushed decision-making, or simply not thinking it through. A good tattoo artist will help guide you through the process, offering advice and suggestions based on your ideas. On the other hand, tattoos that are done on a whim or influenced by trends might result in something you’ll regret later.
The key difference lies in preparation. A tattoo that’s meaningful, well-thought-out, and created by a skilled artist will stand the test of time. In contrast, a tattoo that lacks those elements might end up as a hilarious (or cringe-worthy) story you’ll be telling for years to come.
#34 Idk what’s worse: the overall line work, the hairy fish, or the hand.
Source: Clean-Ad-8872
#35 Found this gem on my Tinder
Source: No_Reception_9326
#36 Local artist says he’s been tattooing more than 5 years
Source: ExpressionPhysical37
#37 Is that a French braid or brain?
Source: LoudAd1537
While tattoos can be a fantastic form of self-expression, it’s important to take your time and think things through. If you’re considering a tattoo, don’t rush the decision—ask yourself whether it will still matter to you in a few years. Remember, tattoos are permanent, but so are the memories you’ll create from the experience.
Whether you’re planning on getting your first tattoo or you’ve already got a collection, make sure it’s something that truly reflects who you are. And if you do end up with a tattoo you regret? Well, at least you’ll have a great story to tell.
#38 Tattooed myself when I was 16, Now 31. Up there on the shitmeter.
Source: Potential_Initial903
#39 Sorry I am different
Source: alternate_world_
#40 Thoughts on the tattoos I (19f) did on myself with no experience?
Source: No-Aide2987
And there you have it—40 tattoos that prove “forever” might be too long for some decisions. Whether they made you laugh, wince, or reconsider your next trip to the tattoo parlor, each of these artistic misfires stands as a bold (if baffling) testament to human creativity and confidence. Maybe too much confidence.
But hey, life’s about taking risks—and sometimes those risks involve permanently inking a mistranslated quote or a portrait that looks like it was drawn by a potato. If nothing else, these tattoos serve as cautionary tales… or conversation starters at the very least.
So next time you find yourself tempted by a spontaneous tattoo idea, remember: just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Unless, of course, your goal is to make it onto the next list of tattoo disasters. In that case—ink away, legend.
