Get your tats out for the boys. Knuckle tattoos are a phenomenon that has been around for many years. They provide people with a lumpy canvas upon which to express their true feelings about things. I've done some research and found that some people have indeed got knuckle tattoos. What's most interesting is the reasoning behind each tattoo, so I've spoken to some KTAs (knuckle tattoo aficionados) about the inspiration behind their inkings.

---

  [caption id="attachment_306266" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Ian (22) from Wicklow, told us about his choice of knuckle tattoo: "Haha yeah I sometimes call it my t.A.T.u. tattoo, because it's a tattoo about in tribute to my favourite band, t.A.T.u. They're class. I spent ages trying to figure out another four letter word to put on my other hand, but then it suddenly came to me. They rule, so I got 'RULE' on the other hand. Seriously, what a band."[/caption]   Claire (19) from Donegal, was more than happy to take part in our knuckle tattoo series: "My friends would probably describe me as a joker. Bit of a sarcastic little madam, to be honest. When the time came for my knuckle tattoo, I thought, who better than Knuckles from Sonic The Hedgehog?! The guy doing the tattoo said it was the funniest idea he'd ever heard."   Dean (21) from Waterford shares his knuckle tattoo story: "I WAS DRUNK! Christ above. At least if I was sober, I would've picked two four-letter words. It's supposed to say 'Party Time', but, as you can see, I only have eight knuckles. The font makes it look like Arabic or something on the left hand. What a shit show, I'm getting it lasered off next week, then I'll get 'PART TIME', to represent commitments as a mad bastard."   Michael (84) from Norwich describes his first tattoo: "Sometimes in life, something happens and you just realise exactly where you're supposed to be. For me, it was during Finding Nemo. When they found that little bugger, I was beside myself. It proved that against all odds, there is light at the end of the tunnel. You can achieve if you put your mind to it. I've even hidden Nemo on my thumb so I can find him again and again."   Lena (28) from Wexford: "I was actually inspired by your Top 10 Gaeilge Tattoos piece earlier in the year, it really spoke to me. I love how sassy 'slán leat' looks on my knuckles. Whenever someone annoying is talking to me, I'll simply show them my knuckles, turn away and that's that. I didn't get the nickname Lena The Legend for no reason!"