Today by tattoo is meant a decorative graphical design on the skin. The word "tattoo" was derived from the samoan word tatau and as such it was preserved by 18th century travellers who were visiting Polynesia.

The tattoo is made by inserting ink under the skin with a special needle. The majority of tattoos are permanent. However, it is possible to make a temporary tattoo by using special inks (which fade with time, ranging from a month to a year).

In Poland tattoos are allowed only for adults (over 18 years). The undarage are obliged by law to be granted parental consent to have a tattoo made.