Sunday, November 18, 2012

Arschgeweih

One of the more amazing of social phenomena that defies explanation is the persistence of the lower back tattoo on women, despite the fact that they are universally referred to as "tramp stamps." Even by some so tattooed.  Now no one to my knowledge has done any social psychological research linking this form of tattoo with any specific moral turpitude, but I expect any day some desperate graduate student will present a paper at Western Psychological Association or Southeastern Psychological Association reporting whether a significant correlation between the two exists. It's my private view that there's a modest correlation, say about .40 or so; but I hesitate to collect the data although some of it is easily accessible on southern or west coast beaches, and the rest is self-report.  Some things you just don't ask. 

But my point is not about the relationship between the two, but the persistence of the term "tramp stamp" despite the obvious implication of the term commonly used to refer to them. Does this represent a cultural shift, in which it's okay to be a tramp; or is it based on social class differences?  After all, tattooing is more normative in certain populations.  It is still considered déclassé in some.

The phenomenon of the lower back decorative tattoo is, if anything, more prevalent in Germany. There they are referred to as "arschgeweih" (ass antlers). Now that's a neutral term that I offer as a substitute to allow the female enjoyers of the lower back tattoo to wear one without experiencing shame or anyone casting aspersions.


I probably will not be posting anything on my blog in the early part of December.  A friend and I are going on a holiday together and we will be occupied!!!!  In the meantime, I hope you will enjoy the holiday season!

9 comments:

The Mistress of the Dark said...

Enjoy your vacation! Lucky you!

Mike said...

I just like them for the artistic value.

Bilbo said...

I must be falling down as a German linguist for not knowing the term "Arschgeweih." It is, after all, a marvelously evocative term, as many such German compound words are. Perhaps it is related to the English expression, applicable to many men, "being stuck on the horns of a dilemma." Fun post. Enjoy your vacation...see you when you get back!

Grand Crapaud said...

That tramp stamp was more original and attractive than most. Are tramp stamps becoming a new art form? Maybe that arschgeweih term could be used instead.

eViL pOp TaRt said...

King -- I agree with your first proposition, for sure.

Mistress of Dark -- Thank you!

Elvis -- Thanks,

Bilbo -- I happened upon it online. The joys of an internet surfing session!

Mike -- You are an esthete at heart.

Big Froggie -- I thought it was a cuter and more amusing tramp stamp, myself. A My Little Pony fan when younger, maybe?

Meredith said...

Ass antlers is a nice euphemism. No moral implication drawn in it.

Deena said...

Have a great vacation!

John A Hill said...

Ant ink on our favorite Southern Belle?

Enjoy your vacation!

eViL pOp TaRt said...

Meredith -- The term is less judgmental.

Deena and John -- Thank you!

No tattoos or piercings on this La. angel......