I’ll never forget the first time I called it a tattoo gun in front of a room full of artists. You would’ve thought I’d just insulted their mothers. Stencils stopped mid-air, conversations froze, and the looks I got could have melted a power supply.
So what’s the big deal? Why does saying gun hit nerves harder than the needle? Let’s break it down.
Why “gun” ruffles feathers
Most professionals call it a tattoo machine. Always have, always will. The term “gun” came from casual slang, movies, and outsiders looking in. For a lot of artists, the difference matters because:
“Machine” sounds like a precision tool. Which it is.
“Gun” feels careless, like you’re waving around a toy.
Calling it a machine shows respect for the craft and its history.
Not every artist will flip out, but enough do that it’s worth understanding.
But here’s the truth…
If we’re keeping it real, the word itself is nowhere near the top of the priority list. What actually matters is:
Is everything sterile?
Are the lines crisp?
Is the shading smooth?
Is the artist licensed and trained properly?
Call it a toaster for all I care—if the tattoo heals clean and looks solid after five years, that’s the only language that counts.
Language matters, but gatekeeping doesn’t
Here’s how I look at it: “tattoo gun” is common slang. People say “Kleenex” for every tissue and “Coke” for every soda. Instead of shaming people for saying it, we should educate them—without the ego trip.
If a client says gun, the professional move is simple:
“You’re good. Around here we call it a machine—it’s the pro term. Same idea though.”
That’s it. Done. No eye-rolls, no lecture, no making someone feel dumb.
Quick shop glossary (without the snobbery)
Tattoo Machine: The actual tool—rotary or coil—that drives the needles.
Cartridge/Needles: The part that touches skin, different groupings for different effects.
Grip: Where the artist holds the machine.
Power Supply & Pedal: The machine’s heartbeat.
Clip Cord/RCA: Cable that connects the tattoo machine to the power supply.
Know these terms and you’ll walk into a consult sounding like you’ve been around, even if it’s your first tattoo.
Apprentices, listen up
If you’re training in this game, this is how you handle it like a pro:
1. Acknowledge. “Yeah, that’s the machine.”
2. Educate lightly. “We say machine because it’s a precision instrument, not a firearm.”
3. Reassure. “Either way, you’re in good hands.”
Congratulations, you just taught, corrected, and built trust in under 10 seconds.
Final word
If somebody loses their mind when you say “tattoo gun,” remember—that’s about them, not you. At the end of the day, healed results matter more than what you call the tool.
So yeah—call it a machine moving forward. It’ll make the veterans happy. But don’t sweat it if you slip. This craft is about skill, safety, and respect. Vocabulary? That’s just seasoning.
Ready to learn the craft the right way?
I don’t just write about this—I live it. At Learn to Ink, we train future artists the correct way: sterile technique, proper shop etiquette, and professional vocabulary, minus the gatekeeping.
👉 Join the Hybrid Tattoo & Piercing Apprenticeship and start working toward your Missouri license today.
Your first step into tattooing doesn’t start with perfect words—it starts with proper training.