Black band tattoos can signify mourning—or carry an explicit sexual meaning
Updated 12:00 10 Oct 2026 GMT+1Published 14:18 3 May 2026 GMT+1
Did you already know that the minimalistic ink carries a deeper meaning?
When it comes to ink, some people tend to lean towards sentimental tattoos with meaning, perhaps as a tribute to a pet, a family member, or a truly significant moment in their lives.
Others? Well, apparently they’re getting thick black bands that wrap around their biceps and forearms without realising they may convey a deeper, X-rated meaning.
If you’ve been debating whether to get one of these bad boys on your arm because you thought they ‘looked cool’, then go ahead—but be prepared for it to actually be a silent sexuality signal.
Tattoos, believed to have been practised globally since the Neolithic era, are a form of body modification made by inserting ink, dyes, or pigments into the thick middle layer of the skin (the dermis).
Advert
The tattoo is said to have several meanings - including a sexual one (X)
While they’re often a pain to get, they can be much more difficult to remove; experts suggest you may need up to 15 laser sessions to totally erase the art from your body.
Therefore, it’s always good to hop on the internet and quickly check if the ink you fancy is going to do what you want it to.
Social media users have recently been debating the meaning behind black banded tattoos on X, formerly known as Twitter, after one person shared a post explaining how stunned they were when they found out about the lewd connotations it has.
"When I learnt the meaning of this tattoo, it changed the way I look at everyone that has one," they wrote. "The higher [it gets], the wilder it gets."
Nearly four million people saw the post at the time, and a good chunk were left baffled, claiming they had no idea the innocent-looking inking had an explicit meaning to some.
One person said: "What does it mean? My friend has it but I'm not sure he knows the actual meaning."
Another admitted they were 'really curious', while a third joked: "How far you can reach into the Pringles can."
FYI, that's something of a euphemism.
The simplicity of the design is said to permit folks to make their 'personal interpretation' of what it means to them (Getty Stock Image)
According to the Solong Tattoo Company, the two band arm tattoo has 'profound meanings that appeal to many', including loss and mourning as well as strength and luck.
It explains that it is also a popular choice among tattoo lovers because it is minimalistic, while adding that the two bands can also 'represent different stages or transitions in one's life'.
Some people also get this design to reflect their 'cultural roots', but the Solong Tattoo Company also notes that the simplicity of it 'allows for personal interpretation'.
Which is all very lovely - but apparently, the two bands have been repurposed by certain folks to be a 'depth marker' which measures how far someone can reach inside their lover's rear end.
And, if the rumours are true, it was gay adult actor Brent Everett who can be thanked for bringing another meaning to the popular tattoo,
A lot of people are only just finding out about the connotations that the inking has (Reddit)
Queer fiction writer Lewis Laney previously shared a TikTok explaining that Everett was the inspiration behind his band tattoo.
He also admitted he had no idea about the alternative meaning it has.
In the video, originally shared in 2023, he explained: "I have a double arm band tattoo and I often get asked by gay men what it means... they assume that it has something to do with f**ting.
"The origins of these tattoos allegedly do come from f**ting and apparently, it’s how far you can go. For me, that is not the case though."
He explained he got the inking at the age of 30 after seeing it on Everett's arm, saying: "I still like it, it looks good and it's the only tattoo I've got and probably the only one I'll ever have."
Laney then raised a valid point, as he added: "I often say to people, if you see people with an anchor tattoo, do you automatically assume that they are a sailor? Or just that they like anchors?"
So, although you can't just surmise that someone enjoys getting elbow deep if they've got two bands tattooed on their arm, it might well be the case.
The more you know, right?
Featured Image Credit: X
Topics: Sex and Relationships, LGBTQ, Art, Viral
