Sometimes you just get bored with normal English tattoos. We see them every day and everywhere you turn there is a new English script tattoo. Maybe you are bored with it or maybe you want to tap into your heritage a little bit, but you know you want something different.
This is where the Latin phrase tattoo comes in. The great thing about the Latin phrase tattoo is that you can use anything you want. A poem, a family motto, inspirational words or song lyrics. There are even sayings that really only make sense when written or spoken in Latin.
In this post, we will list some of the more popular Latin phrase tattoos that we have seen out there. We will go through them and talk about what they mean to the person wearing them. By the end of this post, we hope you have a better idea of some Latin phrase tattoos that you might want. If anything, you will get an idea of what others are doing so you can decide to do something completely different.
Latin Phrase Variations
Below are some of our favorite Latin phrases that are great for tattoos. In addition to the translation, we will talk about what it means in terms of meaning to the person wearing it.
Non Ducor, Duco Tattoo
The non ducor, duco tattoo translates to I am not led, I lead. The phrase happens to be the motto of Sao Paulo, Brazil. To have this phrase tattooed on your body is a way to say you’ve read a few books but you are also not the kind of person to be pushed around. You might also get this tattoo if you have some Brazilian blood.
Carthago Delenda est Tattoo
The Carthago delenda est tattoo means Carthage must be destroyed. This phrase originated during the Second Punic War which was between 218 and 201 BC. This was a tough time for Rome as they were beaten badly by Hannibal. After that war, Cato the Elder would end all his speeches with this phrase. It is one that showed his anger and this tattoo represents emphasis to whatever it is you want to accomplish.
Vincit Qui Se Vincit Tattoo
The vincit qui se vincit tattoo translates to, he conquers who conquers himself. Many schools use this phrase as their motto. This Latin phrase tattoo means to control your urges and temptations before you can control anything outside of that. It is a reminder that you must look within before you deal with anything other than that.
Aqua Vitae Tattoo
The aqua vitae tattoo is another popular Latin phrase tattoo that we see around. This phrase translates to water of life. This phrase can be used as a comedic tattoo as you might refer to your favorite drink. Usually, these Latin phrases refer to battle or war but, in this case, we can be a little lighter-hearted. It might refer to your favorite whiskey or a good old-fashioned Miller Lite.
Astra Inclinant, Sed Non-Obligant Tattoo
One of my favorite Latin phrase tattoos is the astra inclinant, sed non-obligant tattoo. This translates to, the stars inclining us, they do not bind us. The reason this is one of my favorites is that it basically says that fate, whether determined by God or the stars, might push you in a certain direction but have control over your destiny. This Latin phrase is a great motto to live by. There are no excuses for how your life ends up. Make your own way.
Sic Semper Tyrannis Tattoo
The sic semper tyrannis tattoo is a Latin phrase that means, thus always to tyrants. This is the phrase is said to be what John Wilkes Booth said before he assassinated President Lincoln. The phrase refers to how tyrants often meet a brutal ending. This is shameful when used before killing one of our most well-known presidents ever. However, this phrase is also connected to the death of Julius Caesar which seems to make more sense.
Igne Natura Renovatur Integra Tattoo
The igne natura renovatur integra tattoo means, through the fire, nature is reborn whole. To understand this Latin phrase tattoo, you need to grasp the idea behind INRI. This is Iesus Nazerenus, Rex Iudaeorum. It means Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews. This phrase is usually inscribed on crosses with Jesus on them but was also said to be inscribed on the cross Jesus died on. Later, this Latin backronym was made and refers to the cleansing power of fire and the cycle of life and death.
Aut Cum Scuto Aut In Scuto Tattoo
This phrase translates to, either with shield or on shield. This phrase is something Spartan mothers told their children before they went to battle. It is a phrase that might seem strange, but a shield is never left behind so if you aren’t behind it, be on it. This Latin phrase tattoo means to never give up and fight to the death. This might refer to anything in life. The point is to not give up and get what you deserve.
Oderint Dum Metuant Tattoo
Let them hate so long as they fear is what this Latin phrase means. This means exactly what it says. The WWE wrestler Triple H used to use this motto which fit him perfectly in his role. However, those who wear this tattoo might be in a position where others don’t like them, but they still need to do what needs to be done.
These are some of our favorite Latin phrases that can be turned into tattoos. There is so much history behind these Latin phrases that it makes it even more fun to have a tattoo of them. We suggest doing your research and finding an artist that does these kinds of tattoos.
If you aren’t sure of where to go, let us know and we would be happy to help. The team at Tattoo SEO has years of experience in matching customers to tattoo artists. We want to make sure your vision gets brought to life so let us know if you need help.