Man with black band tattoo on arm that has ‘explicit’ meaning responds to question he is asked most
A man with a black armband tattoo has revealed he repeatedly has to explain he hasn't got the design because of its 'explicit' meaning.
Tattoos are continuing to grow in popularity and are no longer resigned to the fringes of society and frowned upon in professional circles.
With everyone and literally even their nan getting inked up these days, there's been an explosion in styles and trends.
From traditional art and tribal designs to innovative work, anything from the most intricate of pieces to a simple black block can be etched on a person's skin.
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One design you may have noticed on arms and legs are the simple black bands that go all the way around the limb, as first seen by many on footballer Paulo Dybala.
The Solong Tattoo Company explains that, traditionally, the tattoo symbolises mourning or loss, though others see it as a sign of strength and luck.
However, there is an explicit meaning behind the design, too, as it's said to be known as a 'depth marker' in some LGBTQ+ communities.
If you need it spelling out, that refers to how far someone can get their arm into the cookie jar.
TikTok user gets repeatedly asked about his black band tattoo
TikTok user @mrlewislaney took to the platform to reveal his witty response when he gets asked if the black band tattoo he has is his 'depth marker.'
"Often I get asked by gay men what it means and they assume it has something to do with fisting," he said.
"The origin of these tattoos allegedly do come from fisting and apparently it's how far you can go.
"I often say to people, if you see people with an anchor tattoo, which they usually have on their arm, do you automatically assume that they're a sailor? Or just that they like anchors."
The meaning has been traced back to adult film star Brent Everett, who had a black armband tattoo and is thought to have popularised the design in the LGBTQ+ community.
In fact, Everett is who inspired @mrlewislaney to get the tattoo himself.
"For me that is not the case," he added, in relation to the tattoo's explicit meaning.
"I saw this tattoo on a porn star called Brent Everett when I was in my early 20s and it was the only tattoo he had. He looked great and I thought one day I'm going to get that.
"When I turned 30 I did, I got it. I still like it. It looks good. It's the only tattoo I've got and probably the only one I'll ever have."
Black armband tattoos aren't popular with artists
You'd think a simple black block would be a tattoo artist's dreams. A bit of colouring certainly seems easier than detailed line work or a realistic portrait of a loved one.
Yet, multiple artists say they're not a fan of the style.
Veteran tattoo artist Lal Hardy told LADbible he prefers to work with colours than just black all day.
"It's not something I really like," he said.
"I mean, I can appreciate it, but I'm not really a great fan of labouring over doing black tribal work all day. "I prefer to see the colour and things coming to light."
While TikToker EvolveINK hates them as they're nowhere near as easy as they seem.
"They seem simple, right?" he said.
"They take so long to do; they have to be perfectly packed in straight and solid, and most tattoo artists say they hate the process."
Daniel Murphy