body modification

American  

[bod-ee mod-uh-fi-key-shuhn] / ˈbɒd i mɒd ə fɪˌkeɪ ʃən /

Also body mod

noun

1. any method of making permanent changes to the body, including piercing, tattooing, subdermal implants, etc., usually for aesthetic purposes or personal expression.

2. a permanent change made to the body by piercing, tattooing, implants, etc.

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body modification British  

noun

1. any method of permanently adorning the body, including tattooing and piercing

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Etymology

Origin of body modification

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

One of his campaign aides in 2022 recalled that she’d be driving around and then her phone would ring—it would be Santos, excited to talk about body modification.

From Slate • Nov. 28, 2023

Mr Gustavson, 45, is accused of leading an extreme body modification operation.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2023

She owned the Sol Tribe Tattoo & Piercing shop and had worked in the body modification industry since 1994, according to a biography of her on the shop’s website.

From New York Times • Dec. 28, 2021

Brazilian tattoo artist Michel Faro Prado has taken body modification to a new level by transforming himself into a devil look-alike.

From Reuters • Aug. 20, 2021

The judge told the body modification artist: “There is a clear public interest element. There is also a need for deterrent.”

From The Guardian • Mar. 21, 2019