My dictionary says "tattoo" is a word of Polynesian origin. But Europeans had them before their discovery of that country. Is there an earlier English word meaning "tattoo"? I'd also be interested in other European languages, Latin &c.
2007-03-26 00:29:58 · 2 answers · asked by lilly 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
Tattoos are of polynesian origin. It is their word (originally Tatu) and their culture which sailors adopted and took back to their own countries.
Also the word taboo is derived from the polynesian. word Tabu ..meaning forbidden..usually for sacred reasons. Once again the european settlers and sailors adopted the word. By the same token, sailors and settlers left behind some of their culture and words as well....for instance, in Fiji they still call any sandshoes or runners etc "Canvasi" which is derived from the english word canvas...which is what their shoes were made of in the 1800s. Also the Fijian word "Bulamakau" is derived from the english Bull and Cow which were introduced to Fiji. Bulamakau is still the word they use for cattle today. No Bull!!!!
2007-03-26 00:58:33 · answer #1 · answered by Michelle G 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, Europeans didn't have tattoos before.... anyway, scarring and tribal markings aren't a well known European trait.
2007-03-26 07:36:41 · answer #2 · answered by Annabella Stephens 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋