People are just finding out X-rated meaning behind ‘black band’ tattoo

People tend to choose designs which have a meaning behind them when getting tattooed - but sometimes, they have multiple.

Although you'd hope that someone thoroughly analyses the artwork they are choosing to permanently adorn their skin with, it appears not everyone does.

So some folks got quite the surprise after digging deeper into the connotations that this simple inking has, as it's not exactly a topic you could discuss at the family dinner table.

In fact, you're probably better off keeping your sleeves rolled down if you're ever in the presence of a prude and are a person who sports a black band tattoo around your limb.

That's because it's supposedly a symbol of a very hands-on sexual act and apparently, it's very popular among those who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Social media users have recently been debating the meaning behind this straightforward design on X after one person shared a post explaining how stunned they were when they found out about the lewd connotations it has.

The tattoo is said to have several meanings - including a sexual one (X)

"When I learnt the meaning of this tattoo, it changed the way I look at everyone that has one," they wrote. "The higher [it gets], the wilder it gets."

Nearly four million people saw the post and a good chunk of these lot were left baffled, as they had no idea the innocent-looking inking had an explicit meaning to some.

One person said: "What does it mean? My friend has it but I'm not sure he knows the actual meaning."

Another admitted they were 'really curious', while a third joked: "How far you can reach into the Pringles can."

FYI, that's something of a euphemism.

According to the Solong Tattoo Company, the two band arm tattoo has 'profound meanings that appeal to many', including loss and mourning as well as strength and luck.

The simplicity of the design is said to permit folks to make their 'personal interpretation' of what it means to them (Getty Stock Image)

It explains that it is also a popular choice among tattoo lovers because it is minimalistic, while adding that the two bands can also 'represent different stages or transitions in one's life'.

Some people also get this design to reflect their 'cultural roots', but the Solong Tattoo Company also notes that the simplicity of it 'allows for personal interpretation'.

Which is all very lovely - but apparently, the two bands have been repurposed by certain folks who are a fan of messing around with their lover's rear end, if you catch my drift.

The bands are now said to be a 'depth marker' which measure how far someone can reach inside.

If the rumours are true, gay adult actor Brent Everett is the bloke who popularised the design among members of the LGBTQ+ community.

A lot of people are only just finding out about the connotations that the inking has (Reddit)

Queer fiction writer Lewis Laney previously shared a TikTok explaining that Everett was the inspiration behind his band tattoo - while admitting he had no idea about the alternative meaning it has.

In the video that was originally shared in 2023, he explained: "I have a double arm band tattoo and I often get asked by gay men what it means...they assume that it has something to do with f**ting.

"The origins of these tattoos allegedly do come from f**ting and apparently, it’s how far you can go. For me, that is not the case though."

He explained he got the inking at the age of 30 after seeing it on Everett's arm, saying: "I still like it, it looks good and it's the only tattoo I've got and probably the only one I'll ever have."

Laney then raised a valid point, as he added: "I often say to people, if you see people with an anchor tattoo, do you automatically assume that they are a sailor? Or just that they like anchors?"

So although you can't just surmise that someone enjoys getting elbow deep if they've got two bands tattooed on their arm, it might well be the case.