Final answer:
The word 'tattoo' comes from the Polynesian term 'tatau', meaning to mark or strike. Tattooing has been a form of expression and identity among various cultures for thousands of years, from Polynesian societies to modern subcultures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word "tattoo" is derived from the Polynesian word "tatau", which means "to mark or strike". Tattooing is a rich cultural tradition in many Polynesian societies, such as the Maori of New Zealand, and it was historically used to express identity, personality, and status within their respective communities. The process of tattooing involves marking the skin with ink to create patterns or images, and this practice has been documented as far back as 5,300 to 3,000 years ago, with the discovery of Ötzi the Iceman, whose body bore tattooed lines and crosses. In addition to traditional tattoos, there is a form of body modification known as scarification, which involves the branding, burning, or etching of designs into the skin to represent individual or group affiliation. Today, tattoos often serve as a way for individuals to express membership in a larger community, memorialize loved ones, express aesthetic tastes, depict personal histories, and symbolize rebellion.