20x the most cliché tattoos

Tattoos: sometimes they are unique and meaningful, sometimes far from it. A text written in your own language or in a language you don't even understand. Every now and then we spot an original specimen, but most of the time we recognize them, right? Of course, you don't always need a deeper meaning or reason to get a tattoo; you can also just get one because you feel like it. I must honestly admit that I have the ultimate Pinterest tattoo on my wrist: a small heart. Yes, really. A walking cliché. But I have to say that I did it myself, and that makes it a bit cooler, right? No? Oh well, I was eighteen, in Miami, and didn't think much about it. Now I wouldn't do it so quickly anymore, but yes, I still find it cute.

Don't have any tattoos and considering getting one and looking for a unique and original one? Then watch out for the following cliché tattoos.

1. Infinity
The symbol for infinity. I really wanted this one when I was younger, but I'm so glad I didn't do it. It feels like half the world is walking around with this. Upon further reflection, I also find it quite ugly. Well, maybe I'm just getting a bit older. And nothing lasts forever, they say, right?

2. The feather
I have seen this one so often. The feather symbolizes strength, courage, and self-awareness. So for the true ‘free spirits’ among us. It really reminds me more of the feather on Peter Pan's hat.

3. The rose
Love, romance, and friendship: the rose is timeless. And that's evident, with all those millions of people having it on their arm, leg, or back. I've even seen it with the quote underneath: ‘Every rose has its thorn.’ Can it get any worse? What on earth does this mean? It must have something to do with life.

4. Zodiac sign tattoo
I find this just like getting your own birth year tattooed. Apparently, people want to go through life as a sort of walking identity card. They probably also often recognize themselves in their horoscope. I still find the symbols quite nice, but to be honest: it's a bit meaningless, right?

5. Palm tree tattoo
I think this is quite a cheerful tattoo. I understand why it's so popular. Who doesn't love palm trees?

6. XXX
Of course, I also love my little town Amsterdam, but to carry those three crosses on my body for the rest of my life seems a bit excessive to me. To each their own, of course.

7. Heart
The Pinterest heart. As small as possible. I totally belong here with my tiny heart.

8. Slanted texts
Often they are quotes in another language that we see. Or life mottos. ‘Seize the day.’ ‘Only God can judge me.’ ‘The best is yet to come.’ ‘Wabi Sabi.’

9. Butterfly
There is probably a similar motivation behind this as with the feather. The free butterfly: just fluttering around.

10. GRL PWR
I see this feminist sticker popping up more and more. Women support women. I think it's a great idea!

11. Stars
Maybe for a loved one or just because you find stars cute. They are quite lovely, aren't they?

12. Female bodies in lines
I find this a bit of a tricky tattoo. You can't always see what it represents very well. The fewer lines used, the less clear the female body. The tattoo below could also be half of a crab's body. That might have its charm too.

13. The dried bouquet
A bouquet of flowers always does well. I love it, so I don't have much criticism on this common tattoo.

14. The sun with a face
The sun: it makes everyone happy, of course. Although I sometimes find these tattoos a bit scary. It just depends on how the face looks.

15. Heartbeat
Despite the fact that this tattoo comes up a lot, I find the meaning beautiful. Carrying the heartbeat of a loved one with you is a very nice gesture.

16. Snake
The snake symbolizes good and evil and life and death. I personally use the term snake simply for someone who is untrustworthy, so it would never occur to me to get this tattoo. You wouldn't tattoo a rat, would you?

17. The lifelike portrait
I find these tattoos really scary. They fail nine out of ten times. Those lifelike faces on your body: pure horror.

18. Moons
In the category of suns and stars: the moon must not be missing, of course.

19. Symbols
Especially the unalone symbol is seen a lot. It stands for wisdom on the path to enlightenment. Most likely done in Thailand during a backpacking session through Southeast Asia.

20. Wave
During that same backpacking session, you got this one in Bali, where you found yourself completely. This is the new you!