Stewed, Screwed, and Tattooed: The Stories Behind Sailor Tattoos
Sailor tattoos have a rich history rooted in tradition, superstition, and adventure. From anchors and ships to eagles and pin-up girls, these tattoos became symbols of life at sea and the stories sailors carried with them. Today, we celebrate these iconic designs, their origins, and the sailors who made them timeless. Whether inked for protection, pride, or a laugh, these tattoos still captivate ink lovers around the world.
Anchors Away: The Anchor Tattoo
The anchor tattoo is perhaps the most recognizable and enduring symbol of sailor tattooing. Representing stability, strength, and a sailor’s safe return to land, anchors became an essential design for those at sea. For sailors who had crossed the Atlantic Ocean, the anchor marked a significant achievement—proof of their endurance and bravery.
Today, anchor tattoos are still popular for their clean, classic look and timeless meaning. Whether for nautical enthusiasts or those seeking a symbol of staying grounded, the anchor remains a staple for traditional tattoos.
Eagles and Freedom: The Patriotic Tattoo
Eagles, flags, and military symbols were worn proudly by sailors to showcase their patriotism and dedication to serving their country. An eagle tattoo often symbolized freedom, courage, and pride, as well as a sailor’s connection to the sea and the sky.
During World War II, patriotic tattoos became particularly significant, serving as a badge of honour for those who fought for their nations. Whether soaring across a chest or perched with talons ready, the eagle tattoo remains a bold, iconic design.
Ladies of the Sea: Pin-Up Girl Tattoos
Sailors spent long stretches of time away from home, and pin-up girl tattoos brought a sense of comfort and connection. These classic designs often depicted beautiful, glamorous women—symbols of love, longing, and the sailor’s ties to land. Some even believed these tattoos could bring good luck and help sailors avoid temptation while ashore.
Pin-up girl tattoos were bold, striking, and playful. Over time, they became an iconic part of the American Traditional tattoo style and remain popular to this day as a nod to old-school charm and vintage flair.
Symbols of Luck: Swallows and Nautical Stars
Swallows, nautical stars, and compass roses were believed to guide sailors safely home. The swallow tattoo carried particular significance, with one swallow representing 5,000 nautical miles traveled. A second swallow marked 10,000 miles, a testament to a sailor’s skill and experience.
Nautical stars, resembling compass points, symbolized hope, guidance, and good fortune. Sailors often had these stars inked on their chests, forearms, or backs, trusting them to provide safe passage.
Cheeky Ink: Sailors' Funniest Tattoos
Life at sea wasn’t all serious—sailors had a bloody hilarious sense of humour, and their tattoos reflected it. Quirky and cheeky designs were often a way to break up the monotony of long voyages or commemorate a particularly wild night ashore. Here are some of the funniest tattoos sailors carried:
- The Monkey Butthole Aloha Tattoo: One sailor legend speaks of tattooing the word “Aloha” around a monkey’s backside—a hilarious and crude twist on sailor humour.
- Propellers on Butt Cheeks: Some sailors got tattooed propellers on their rear ends, claiming it would help them “go faster in the water.” A prime example of sailors turning tattooing into pure comedy.
- “Stewed, Screwed, and Tattooed”: This phrase meant a sailor had experienced a trifecta of debauchery—getting drunk, spending time with a lady of the night, and getting inked—all in one night. These tattoos served as badges of honour (or infamy) among sailors—proper legendary stuff.
Humour at sea was a crucial way to lighten spirits and bond with crewmates, and these tattoos are lasting reminders of that camaraderie.
Fierce and Fearless: The Dragon Tattoo
Sailors who served in China or the Western Pacific often returned with dragon tattoos. Dragons symbolised power, courage, and a sense of adventure. These tattoos marked sailors who had ventured into distant, exotic lands, showcasing their bravery and connection to mythic stories of the sea.
In modern tattoo culture, dragon designs remain highly sought after for their striking detail and timeless symbolism of strength.
Wild Waters: The Fully-Rigged Ship Tattoo
For sailors, a fully-rigged ship represented more than just a vessel; it symbolized their journey, achievements, and experience at sea. In some traditions, a tall ship tattoo signified that a sailor had braved Cape Horn, one of the most treacherous routes in maritime history.
These designs showcased both pride in one’s skills and the romance of the open sea. Today, ship tattoos continue to capture the adventurous spirit of sailors past and present.
Pig and Hen: Symbols of Survival
Among the strangest yet most beloved sailor tattoos are pigs and hens inked on sailors’ feet. These animals, often shipped in wooden crates, were known to float during shipwrecks, leading sailors to believe the tattoos could ward off drowning.
Though humorous on the surface, these tattoos reflected sailors’ deep superstitions and need for protection in dangerous waters. To this day, they remain quirky symbols of luck and survival.
These designs showcased both pride in one’s skills and the romance of the open sea. Today, ship tattoos continue to capture the adventurous spirit of sailors past and present.
Ink That Tells a Story
Sailor tattoos were never just about aesthetics; they were stories inked into skin—tales of adventure, survival, humour, and identity. From the serious to the downright cheeky, these tattoos captured a way of life that embraced the challenges and freedoms of the open sea.
Today, traditional sailor tattoos continue to inspire. Their bold lines, timeless designs, and rich history make them a cornerstone of tattoo culture.
Book Your Sailor Tattoo Today!
CB Ink is home to some of Brisbane’s most talented traditional tattoo artists, each of whom has years of experience with sailor tattoos.
If you’re ready to get your next sailor tattoo, book an appointment today!
If you still have some questions or concerns, feel free to send us a message and we’ll be glad to help!