You’ve seen it. Maybe on a forearm in a crowded bar or peeking out from a collarbone on your Instagram feed. The phrase "Love Loyalty Out Values Everything"—often shortened to the LL OVE tattoo—isn't just a string of positive words. It’s a manifesto. People don’t get this inked because it looks pretty; they get it because they’ve been burned, or because they’ve found a circle of people they’d die for. It’s heavy. It’s loud. It’s basically a permanent reminder that in a world full of flakes and "situationships," some things are still non-negotiable.
Honestly, the love loyalty out values everything tattoo has surpassed being just a trend. It’s become a cultural shorthand. But where did it come from? And why does every tattoo artist from Los Angeles to London have a story about someone coming in to get these exact five words?
The Weight Behind the Words
The acronym L.L.O.V.E. is clever, sure. It’s a backronym—a phrase constructed to fit the letters of another word. But the hierarchy of the values is what actually matters here. Love is the baseline. Everyone wants it. But loyalty? That’s the filter. Loyalty is what makes love stay when things get ugly. When you say those things "out value everything," you’re making a radical claim about your priorities. You're saying that money, status, and personal gain are secondary to the bond you have with your "ride or dies."
Tattooing is inherently about permanence. Getting a love loyalty out values everything tattoo is a way of locking in a philosophy. It’s a shield. In many ways, it’s a response to the "disposable" nature of modern life. We live in an era of ghosting and "main character syndrome." This tattoo is the antithesis of that. It says, "I am a person who stays."
Script Styles and Visual Choices
Most people go for script. Sometimes it’s that sharp, aggressive West Coast lettering—think Chicano style with heavy flourishes and sharp tails. Other times, it’s a minimalist typewriter font. The style usually matches the wearer's "vibe," but the message remains consistent. I've seen versions where "Loyalty" is bolded or in red ink to emphasize that it’s the most important part of the equation. Because let's be real: love without loyalty is just a feeling. Loyalty is an action.
Why This Phrase Resonates in Tattoo Culture
Tattooing has always been a language for the marginalized or those who live by a strict code. From sailors to bikers, the "code" is everything. The love loyalty out values everything tattoo fits perfectly into this lineage. It echoes the "Loyalty Over Love" or "Death Before Dishonor" sentiments of older generations, but it softens them just enough for a modern audience. It’s a bit more poetic.
It’s also incredibly popular in the hip-hop community and among athletes. It’s about the "day ones." It’s about not forgetting who was there when you were broke. When you see a high-profile athlete with this on their skin, they are sending a message to their circle and their fans: "I haven't changed."
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The Psychology of "Out Valuing"
Psychologically, we use tattoos to define our boundaries. By stating that these things out value everything, you are creating a mental shortcut for how you make decisions. If a job offer requires you to betray a friend, the tattoo reminds you of your code. If a relationship becomes one-sided, the "loyalty" part of the ink prompts a self-audit. Is the loyalty being returned?
Mistakes People Make With This Tattoo
Look, I've seen some bad ones. If you're going to put five words on your body, you have to get the grammar and spacing right. A common issue is crowding. Because it's a long phrase, people try to squeeze it into small spaces like the wrist.
Bad idea.
In five years, those letters will bleed together. It’ll look like a smudge. If you want a love loyalty out values everything tattoo, give it room to breathe. The ribs, the outer thigh, or a long vertical placement on the forearm are the best spots.
- Placement: Don't go too small.
- Font: Avoid "trendy" scripts that will look dated in two years. Go for something classic.
- The Artist: Find someone who specializes in lettering. Not every great portrait artist can pull off clean, straight lines of text.
Is it Cliche?
Some people in the tattoo world call it a "Pinterest tattoo." They think it's overdone. But honestly? Who cares? Tattoos are for the wearer. If the phrase "Love Loyalty Out Values Everything" hits you in the gut because of your life experiences, then it's the right tattoo for you. A "cliche" is just a truth that’s been told so many times it’s become famous.
The Evolution of the LL OVE Concept
The phrase has evolved. We're seeing more people integrate it into larger pieces. I recently saw a sleeve where the words were woven into a scene of a lion protecting its pride. It adds a layer of visual storytelling. It’s no longer just a "quote tattoo"; it’s a piece of a larger narrative about protection, family, and survival.
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There's also the "Loyalty Over Everything" (L.O.E.) variant. It’s punchier. But it lacks the "Love" component. By including love, the LL OVE version feels more complete. It covers the heart and the backbone.
Cultural Impact
In some communities, this tattoo is a mark of belonging. It’s not a gang sign, but it functions similarly—it’s a signal to others who value the same things. It creates an instant rapport. If you see someone else with a love loyalty out values everything tattoo, you know something about their worldview before they even speak. You know they value the long game. They value the bond.
Practical Steps Before You Get Inked
If you're hovering over the "book now" button for this specific piece, pause for a second. Think about the "Everything" part of the phrase. What does that actually mean to you? Is it money? Fame? Your own comfort? To make this tattoo meaningful, you have to know what you're willing to sacrifice for those two core values.
Check the spelling. I know it sounds stupid. But "Loyalty" is a word people weirdly misspell when they're nervous at a shop. "Loyality" is a mistake that stays with you forever.
Think about the "Love" part. Is it romantic love? Brotherly love? Self-love? The way your artist shades the word can change the vibe. A "hard" script makes it feel like "tough love," while a more flowing cursive can make it feel more sentimental.
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Plan for the long haul. Script tattoos need touch-ups. Because the lines are often thin, they can fade faster than bold traditional work. Budget for a refresh in about five to seven years to keep the message sharp.
Choosing Your Artist
Don't just walk into a street shop and take whoever is available. Look for "Lettering" or "Script" in their portfolio. Look for "kerning"—that’s the space between letters. If the letters are unevenly spaced, the whole tattoo will look "off" even if the individual letters are pretty. A true pro will help you curve the text to fit the natural anatomy of your body, making the words look like they grew there rather than just being slapped on.
The love loyalty out values everything tattoo is a heavy commitment to a heavy philosophy. It’s about standing for something when it’s easier to stand for nothing. Whether it’s your first tattoo or your fiftieth, it’s a phrase that carries its own weight. Just make sure you’re ready to live up to the ink.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Session
- Size matters: For a five-word phrase, ensure the height of each lowercase letter is at least 0.25 inches to prevent blurring over time.
- Contrast is key: Black ink is the gold standard for script. Avoid light grays or "watercolor" effects for the text itself; they don't hold the "strength" of the message well.
- Placement hack: Use the "mirror test." Have the artist place the stencil, then move around. Does the text distort when you flex your muscle? If it turns into an illegible wave when you move your arm, adjust the placement.
- Meaningful additions: Consider adding a small date or a single coordinate if the "loyalty" aspect refers to a specific person or event. It personalizes a popular phrase.
- Aftercare: Text tattoos have lots of "negative space" where scabs can pull ink from the fine lines. Use a thin layer of unscented ointment—don't drown it. Keep it breathable to ensure those sharp edges stay sharp.
The reality is that tattoos are the one thing we take to the grave. Choosing a mantra like "Love Loyalty Out Values Everything" ensures that what you're carrying is a reflection of your best self, even on the days you forget to live up to it. It’s a permanent accountability partner.