from: JK
to: "tiangotlost@gmail.com"
date: Mon, Nov 19, 2012 at 9:09 PM
subject: Tattoo meaning if any?

I got this tattoo 17 years ago in NYC. Tattoos were not totally legal in the city yet and I was underage. Internet was not in full swing either. The tattoos were supposed to have read, "Strength and Courage." I'm sure they don't. LoL! If you could tell me what the characters mean (if anything), I would appreciate it.

Thanks,

JKreasy



小畜 "little animal" and 大過 "big mistake".

from: Fabiano B.
to: tiangotlost@gmail.com 
date: Thu, Sep 20, 2012 at 11:24 AM 
subject: Chinese tatoo?

Can you translate this tattoo, please. Thank you.

It is absolute meaningless gibberish based on this font!

Another gullible individual with "THEO" on his arm.  

from: Boris

to: tiangotlost@gmail.com

date: Sat, Aug 4, 2012 at 12:37 PM

subject: Funny tatoo

Hi Tian!

Just saw this photo of an acquaintance -- http://instagram.com/p/N6rLwJGnEK/

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the "Way of the Firebird" tatoo spelled the wrong way round? Just wanted to let you know so you may have a new addition for your Hanzismatter Website.

Kind regards,

Boris

Although the image is reflection taken from a mirror, 火鳥道 is indeed in wrong vertical orientation.

from: Gabriel D. 

to: "tiangotlost@gmail.com" 

date: Mon, Jul 2, 2012 at 8:12 AM 

subject: suspicious looking tattoo 

Hello, Tian. 

I've been reading your HanziSmatter blog for a while now and I've always found it equally amusing and educational. A little while back one of my friends has gotten his ankle tattooed as you can see in the attached image. 

He said it is something related to the concept of "family", but that the tattoo artist himself didn't really make it clear what it meant. 

Could you perhaps help? 

Best regards, 

Gabriel

  

Typical "family" is 家庭. 

from: Laura M. 

to: tiangotlost@gmail.com 

date: Sun, Jul 15, 2012 at 5:54 AM 

subject: A youtuber's tattoo 

I was watching some tattoo videos on youtube, and this lady seems to think this tattoo is her star-sign, Aries. What does it actually mean? She also joked people say it means "egg fried rice", so it will be amusing if it's actually something along those lines. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-etERblu5Q 

absolutely love your blog, by the way <3

It is absolute meaningless gibberish based on this font!

from: Aaron S.

to: tiangotlost@gmail.com

date: Wed, Jun 20, 2012 at 2:24 PM

subject: Friend's Tattoo

Here is a pic of a friend's tattoo. She thinks it means, "I am a Goddess." I have already had it translated once but I thought I would get a second opinion just to be sure.

Thanks,

Aaron

It would've said goddess, 女神, only if 神 was not split into two vertical parts.

from: Sarah

to: tiangotlost@gmail.com

date: Fri, Jun 1, 2012 at 8:02 PM

subject: My tattoo

Hi!

I found your blog randomly, looking for someone to help me figure out

what my tattoo says.

I've had it for about 11 years.

I was young and stupid. I plan on covering it soon, but I would really

like to get your opinion,

I was told it meant "strength"...but then someone else told me it says

"Small animal" or "Little tornado".

Thank you so much! I appreciate it!

Sarah

Due to tattoo's poor calligraphy, it is difficult to determine if it is intended to be a single character, 慉 (to foster) or double character phase, 小畜 (small animal).  

Either case, it is definitely not "strength".