History of Tramp Stamps

Hello! Have you ever thought about getting a lower back tattoo but then thought, “Well I don’t want to be associated with the word tramp stamp?” It all stems from misogyny in the early 2000s. “The phrase is thought to have gained traction after featuring in a 2004 'Saturday Night Live' skit. Jokes targeted party girls with lower back tattoos, linking them with promiscuity in a display of cultural shaming that persisted for decades. For a time, lower back tattoos were often seen not as personal choice but as a social misstep, burdened with derogatory connotations.” (alohatattoos).

A Tramp stamp is a tattoo on the lower back that gained lots of popularity among women in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This tattoo actually originates from cultures around the world. Many women would get this tattoo to protect themselves in childbirth. “Ancient Egyptian women got tattoos on their lower backs and thighs in preparation for childbirth. These tattoos are thought to be in honor of the Goddess Hathor. As a sky deity associated with motherhood, love, and sexuality, appealing to her may grant these women protection during this time.” (thewhiterabbits). 

Lower back tattoos gained a negative reputation in the late 2000s and some celebrities opted to get their tramp stamps removed to not be associated with the negative image created by misogyny. “Lower back tattoos have obviously been an important part of the female experience throughout many eras and cultures. As it is an intimate area of the body it has been associated with fertility and sexuality for some time. While today its associations with sexuality are used to demean its wearers, for most of history it was viewed as a source of empowerment, divine protection, and strength. Lower back tattoos were a symbol of solidarity among women. The Egyptian childbirth tattoos are thought to have been worn not only by the birthing women, but the midwives aiding her as well. There is power in togetherness, and that is what this tattoo evokes,” (thewhiterabbits).

Today the trends from the early 2000s are returning like low rise jeans, big belts, and rhinestones but also the tramp stamp. The name itself has been reclaimed by many women as a source of empowerment. The term tramp stamp is now a symbol of reclaimed sexuality and bodily autonomy for many wearers. “Many people have opted to embrace the tramp stamp name. The rude sentiments have been replaced and many welcome its nod to good times and empowerment for a group who is used to being shamed.” (thewhiterabbits).

At Speakeasy Tattoo in Los Angeles California, we support empowerment through art and living masterpieces. Your body is the vessel in which you live your life so you might as well decorate it to empower your life’s journey and journeys yet to come.