# permanent dirt

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. A tattoo
2. Any form of tattoo, piercing, (deliberate) scarring or other body modification that is considered permanent or would take significant effort to remove.
3. A hair dye or permanent wave that must be allowed to grow out or be reversed by repeating the process, that will not wash out.

## Etymology
Originated as a slang term in tattoo and piercing parlours in Californian counter culture but has gained traction in mainstream society and other areas.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/permanent-dirt