Throughout history, tattoos have been condemned as signs of degradation and disapproval. Tattoo in the English language has its own negative definition. “The Latin word for 'tattoo' is stigma, and the original meaning is reflected in modern dictionaries. Among the definitions of "stigma" listed by Webster are "pricking with a sharp instrument." . .' a distinctive mark etched into the flesh of a slave or criminal" and "a sign of disgrace or reproach" (Gilbert, 15). Tattoos were used for punitive purposes in early Western history, while in recent history presenting is more a matter of self-expression. People who have excessive tattoos exhibit more deviant behavior than those who don't. The legacy of deviance and negative connotation surrounding tattooing persists to this day is still perceived so negatively in the West culture, we must begin with its origins. Many historians who have studied the topic of tattoos in ancient times have found that tattooing was primarily a way of branding criminals and slaves The University of Cambridge underlines that “The tattoo was first and perhaps above all a mark of criminality, a sign of shame that dates back to the biblical story of Cain” (Rothstein). In the Book of Genesis, God marked Cain after killing his brother to identify and shame him. For those who might want revenge on Cain, the mark was a reminder that God was watching. “And the Lord said to him: Therefore whoever kills Cain, the vengeance will be sevenfold. And the Lord set a sign on Cain, that whoever found him would not kill him” (King James Bible, Cain 4:15). The Bible is one of the most read and trusted books globally that informs… middle of paper… people who display illegal tendencies and have tattoos. This study was coupled with the idea that deviant behavior is also linked to emotional distress and subsequent body modification. “Obtaining body art may be one way that individuals attempt to cope with distress or attempt to clarify their sense of self when suffering from depression” (Owen, et al.). As many students in this study said that they got a tattoo when they felt a loss of personal identity and that this was a way to become unique. Unfortunately, while getting tattoos is an approach that makes them different from others, so too is deviant behavior. Tattoos themselves have evolved into a form of social deviance. Despite the recent gentrification of tattoos, there is much evidence to support that tattoos still appear to be associated with risky behaviors.