Throughout history, tattoos have been condemned as marks of degradation and disapproval. Tattoo in English has its own negative definition. “The Latin word for “tattoo” is stigma and its original meaning is reflected in modern dictionaries. Among the definitions of “stigma” listed by Webster is “a prick with a sharp instrument.” . .' a distinctive mark carved into the flesh of a slave or criminal” and “a mark of disgrace or reproach” (Gilbert, 15). Tattoos were used for punitive purposes in early Western history, whereas in recent history it is more for presentation. of self-expression. People who have excessive tattoos exhibit more deviant behavior than those who do not. The legacy of deviance and negative connotation surrounding tattooing persists to this day. Understand why having a tattoo was and still is perceived so negatively in the West. culture, we must start with its origins. Many historians who have studied the subject of tattoos in ancient times have found that tattooing was primarily a means of marking criminals and slaves. Juliet Fleming, professor at the University of Cambridge, points out that “tattooing was a way of marking criminals and slaves.” and perhaps above all a kind of criminality, a sign of shame which goes back to the biblical story of Cain" (Rothstein) In the book of Genesis, God marked Cain after he killed his brother to identify him and shame him. For those who would seek revenge on Cain, the mark was a reminder that God was watching. “And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain shall be avenged seven times more. And the Lord marked Cain, that whoever found him should not kill him” (King James Bible, Cain. 4:15). The Bible is one of the most widely read and trusted books in the world that informs...... middle of paper ... people who exhibit illegal tendencies and have tattoos. This study was coupled with the idea that deviant behavior is also linked to emotional distress and resulting body change. “Obtaining body art may be a way in which individuals attempt to cope with distress or clarify their self-perception when experiencing depression” (Owen, et al.). Many students in this study said they got tattoos when they felt a loss of identity and that it was a way of becoming unique. Unfortunately, while getting a tattoo is an approach that makes them different from others, so is deviant behavior. Tattoos themselves have become a form of social deviance. Despite recent tattoo gentrification, there is ample evidence to support the fact that tattoos still appear to be associated with risky behavior..