“Humor is just another defense against the universe.” –Mel Brooks

Images and words inked into skin need not be serious, symbolic, or sentimental all the time. As tattoo styles have developed during the past two decades, so has the use of humor to illustrate personality and enjoyment in body art.

The time-honored stereotypes of rebellion, angst, and otherness have been joined by irony, satire, sarcasm, dark humor, and a great deal of fun as viable means of skin expression.

Funny tattoos, once accidental and often cringeworthy, now cross over into all genres of the art form and into popular culture as well. All it takes is a funny tattoo idea, willingness not to take things too seriously, and enjoyment found in poking fun at things while needles poke your skin.

Tattoos vary between individuals, a fact extending to humor in tattoos. A picture, phrase, or quote could have one person in stitches and leave another horrified or confused. The range in reactions is partly why funny tattoo ideas are a rapidly growing phenomenon.

Now, more than ever, it’s important to think, feel, and experience the emotions you pour into body art. Read on for 134 funny tattoo examples to make you laugh, chuckle, howl, or shake your head.

1. Funny Alien Tattoo Ideas

For women

This is a cool small tattoo. The use of white ink support for the simple image works well to add highlights.

This is a nicely etched black line tattoo; love the humor of an alien rocking stereotypical culture elements of smartphone, funny glasses, and self-deprecating ironic “blonde” tee.

For men

This is a crude yet funny tattoo of a cow being lifted into an alien spacecraft. There’s a lot of technical work needed to improve on the fun idea. The linework of tractor beams is messy and looks to have been drawn freehand. The cow, too, needs a touch-up to clean up the black ink fill. The tattoo on the right of the featured piece is a bit scary; it’s old, faded, and could do with a complete refurbishment.