An eight ball tattoo can have a lot of different meanings including goals, staying away from trouble, luck, destiny, and more.
When I was just getting started in my career, I did a lot of traditional tattoos. So, I ended up designing a lot of 8 ball tattoos. Not only did this inspire my desire to discover more about this tattoo meaning, but it also created a lot of fond memories for me.
In this post, I will explore each 8 ball tattoo meaning so that you can discover just how much significance your tattoo can have. I have also included various designs for each category. Let's get started.
What is the 8 Ball Tattoo Meaning?
Before I get into the 8 ball tattoo meaning, I want to mention that the word eight ball can refer to two very different things.
For instance, one is the eight ball that is used in the game of pool. Then, you have the 8 ball which refers to a toy where you can ask questions and the ball will provide random answers.
As you can imagine, the meaning of the eight ball in a pool game has a very different meaning from the one used as a children's toy. Not to worry, though, because I will break down each 8 ball tattoo meaning for you.
In any case, if you like highly symbolic tattoos, then an eight ball tattoo design is the right one for you.
The 8 Ball Tattoo Meaning and Goals
If you aren't familiar with the pool, this game consists of pool tables, pool sticks, and pool balls.
Of the pool balls, there are seven ball with solid colors, seven with stripes, one white ball, and one black ball with the number 8 on it.
The eight ball holds a lot of significance. This ball decides who wins the game. The goal here is to get the eight ball into your designated pocket on the pool table.
However, there are a couple of rules that you have to follow. First, you have to wait until after certain designated balls have been sent into the pocket before you can target the eight ball. So, it has to be the last ball that goes in.
Also, you can never hit the 8 ball directly with pool sticks. Instead, you have to use another ball to get the eight ball into the pocket.
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So, what does this mean as an 8 ball tattoo meaning? What does the 8-ball mean spiritually?
Well, there are a few different meanings to consider.
The first could have to do with the importance of the eight ball. Getting a eight ball tattoo, could serve as a reminder for you to identify and appreciate the most important thing in your life.
Your 8 ball tattoo meaning could remind you to keep your eye on the most important goal in your life.
In this case, your 8 ball tattoo meaning could also mean that you often have to break your goals down into steps. First, you have to handle the smaller goals - the other numbered balls - before you can get to the main one.
Your 8 ball tattoo meaning could be linked to patience, trusting your plan, and to remind you to always stay focused on the game.
8 Ball Tattoo Meaning and the Love of the Game
Of course, you don't need to have an extremely personal meaning regarding your tattoo design. Despite the different meanings of this tattoo, you can get it simply because you love the game.
After all, many people are heavily invested in the game and are even professional player. So, if your focus is on pure dominance at the billiards table, this can be the perfect tattoo design for you.
An 8 Ball Tattoo Meaning and Staying Away from Trouble
Another 8 ball tattoo meaning could be a reminder to stay away from trouble or triggers.
Most people have that one thing that can send them down the wrong path. However, because this could be so addictive, it can take a lot of willpower to resist it or stay away from it.
Now, as I mentioned with eight ball pool, the goal is to keep your pool sticks away from the eight ball. This means that you should never get behind the eight ball. In fact, “behind the eight ball” means to be in trouble.
So, your 8 ball tattoo meaning could be a reminder to stay away from the eight ball and bad choices in your life.
8 Ball Tattoo Meaning and Luck
The eight ball tattoo meaning could also be linked to Lady Luck. Keep in mind, however, that eight balls don't really fall in line with the rest of the lucky symbols.
Unlike other symbols, the eight ball can be either a symbol of good and bad luck. It all depends on the circ*mstances.
If you manage to avoid hitting the eight ball, Lady Luck is smiling on you and this is a symbol of good luck. However, if you hit the eight ball straight on or send it into the pocket before other balls, you lose the game.
Due to this, your 8 ball tattoo meaning doesn't signify either good or bad luck. Instead, it could be a reminder that things can go in either direction.
So, your tattoo design could be about neutrality or how unexpected life can be. At the same time, your 8 ball tattoo meaning could be linked to duality and balance. Even though you may be experiencing a rough patch now or going through a streak of bad luck, there is always a silver lining.
At the same time, your 8 ball tattoo could also mean that the reverse is true. It is important to enjoy the good times because you don't know how long they will last.
8 Ball Tattoo Meaning and Decisions
As I mentioned, there is more than one type of 8 ball. So, there is more than one type of 8 ball tattoo. You also have one that is used as a decision or fortune telling device.
You ask the 8 ball a question, shake it a few times, and an answer will pop up on the display.
If you want to get this kind of eight ball tattoo design, it could be related to decisions. This 8 ball tattoo could be a reminder to always make the right decision. Or, it could be a symbol of how even not making a decision is still making one. So, always be conscious of the path you take.
8 Ball Tattoo and the Future
Your 8 ball tattoo could also be a reminder of the future. It could be a sign that you never really know what the future hold.
It could also mean that regardless of what you do, the future is unpredictable. So, you should try to gain as much control over your destiny as you can.
Eight Ball Tattoo Designs
Here are some of the most popular tattoo designs for the eight ball tattoo:
Minimalistic Eight Ball Tattoos
Not everyone is into flashy images when it comes to their tattoo design. If you fall into this category, you are likely looking for something more minimalistic.
Well, there is great news for you because this 8 ball tattoo still looks pretty cool. Just because the tattoo design is more basic, it doesn't effect the 8 ball tattoo meaning.
Here are some options for a simple yet eye-catching tattoo:
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Flaming Eight Ball Tattoos
A tattoo design with an 8 ball engulfed in fire or flames is a lot more popular than you might think.
It can also have its own unique meaning. With these kinds of eight ball tattoo ideas, the fire symbolizes movement and speed. So, it could represent the forward momentum of your life and how you need to keep moving ahead.
At the same time, this is a great 8 ball tattoo for anyone who loves playing the game.
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Traditional Eight Ball Tattoos
This refers to the traditional style of tattooing. These tattoos are all about thick, black lines and bold colors. It is also a more classic style of tattooing.
Due to this, the eight ball is the perfect symbol for getting a more vintage looking tattoo. The great thing about this kind of tattoo design is that the meaning is flexible. Due to this, you can assign any kind of meaning to your tattoo.
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Luck Themed Eight Ball Tattoos
Do you consider the eight ball as your lucky charm? If so, it only makes sense to get a luck themed eight ball tattoo.
If you want, you can get a tattoo with just the 8 ball feature on it. If you would like, though, you can also get other lucky symbols alongside the eight ball. This could include a four leaf clover, horseshoes, or any other elements you like.
These kinds of tattoo designs could help to ward away bad omens or keeping bad luck at bay. Or, it could be a way to carry a little bit of good luck and positivity wherever you go.
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Destiny Themed Eight Ball Tattoos
Interestingly enough, destiny and gambling often seem to go hand in hand. So, if you want an eight ball tattoo that is all about taking a chance, you can include other symbols from gambling as well.
This could include playing cards, dice, money signs, etc. It could be a sign that you trust destiny and the path carved out for you. Or, it could represent the fact that you ignore your destiny and like making your own way ahead instead. The choice is yours!
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Creative Eight Ball Tattoos
One of the things that I love about the eight ball tattoo is that it is so versatile. Due to this, you can get as creative as you want with your tattoo design.
Curious to see just how crazy that you can get with the design? Well, here are some of the top 8 ball tattoo ideas that you can check out. This will provide you with inspiration for any designs that you would like to get:
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There you have it: these are all the different meanings that an 8 ball tattoo can symbolize. All you need to do now is to decide which design feels right to you.
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