Midnight pizza, a shaky stencil and the worst decision we called “commitment.” Our matching little knife doodles are the best kind of proof that friendship is messy and hilarious.
I promised myself everyone would talk me out of tattoos, then Jess dared me and now we both have tiny chaos on our ankles. That experience is exactly why I collected these funny best friend tattoos that make you smile every time you look at them.
Below you’ll find 12 pins with small ideas, matching concepts, and weirdly specific designs – plus real talk about placement, meaning, and how to make any of these feel like yours.
These 12 funny best friend tattoos will make you want to book an appointment
Knife-and-Character Sketch
That tiny sketch of someone holding a knife next to a cartoon is delightfully dark and playful. I love how cheeky pieces like this read as inside jokes – you can explain it or not, both work. Matching versions of oddball imagery are some of my favorite funny best friend tattoos because they force strangers to ask and you get to laugh together.
Old School Flash Mix
Classic flash sheets with multiple little motifs are perfect for splitting up between friends. When we got inked we each picked one tiny element from a sheet – it felt like sharing a single story in parts. You could do this for a gag, a memory, or just because vintage designs are endlessly cool.
Two Little Pigs
Honestly, pigs are underrated as tattoo subjects and these two just scream “we’re ridiculous together.” Pick matching placements like calves or forearms and the effect becomes adorably absurd. Funny best friend tattoos that use animals are usually conversation starters and make great first-time ink for both of you.
Hands-with-Tiny Symbols
Small symbols on the hands or fingers read as secret handshake energy without the actual handshake. My friend got a tiny sun and I got a moon; we both still trace them when we’re being dramatic. For subtlety and daily visibility, these are some of the most practical funny best friend tattoos you can choose.
Leg Monsters Illustration
Those two little monsters hovering above a small leg piece are the cutest kind of weird. Try matching colors or flipping one upside down so they’re mirror images – it’s playful without being precious. I recommended this style when my cousin wanted matching ink with her roommate and they both still giggle about it.
Camera and Heart Pairing
One camera, one heart – it’s a simple split idea that reads as “you capture, I keep the feelings.” If one of you is the chronic photographer and the other is the sentimental friend, this is a literal vibe. These kinds of coordinating motifs are classic funny best friend tattoos because they’re instantly meaningful but still cute.
Paper Cartoon Duo
Cartoon characters drawn as if on paper feel nostalgic, like a childhood secret. We once traced favorite characters onto transparent paper and used the designs as tiny matching shoulder pieces – so many laughs that day. Characters let you be silly and specific, which is the whole point of funny best friend tattoos.
Finger Faces Sketch
Drawn faces on fingers are peak low-commitment charm and they photograph horribly well. If you want something you can show off without explaining, this is it. Sometimes the smallest gestures are the biggest reminders of a friendship.
Sunglass Cats Cheers
Two cool cats clinking glasses is obviously a “we survived Sunday brunch” energy piece. Pick matching drinks that mean something to you – maybe a beer for one and wine for the other so it reads like you. Funny best friend tattoos like this are great when you want whimsy and a little nostalgia all at once.
Matching Arm Lines
Simple mirrored lines or tiny symbols on the same spot of each arm look unexpectedly chic. My sister and I got matching thin arrows and it felt elegant rather than shouty – subtlety wins sometimes. These clean looks are an easy route if you want a daily reminder that isn’t too loud.
Legs-in-Action Match
When one friend holds the other’s leg in the photo it reads like a promise to support each other – visually and emotionally. Choose paired scenes that only make sense together and you get a tiny narrative each time you peek. I suggested this to a friend once and she texted me a photo from the parlor that made my day.
Wine-Glass Duo
Two wine glasses clinking on matching calves or ankles is the best kind of low-key celebration. If you and your partner-in-crime have a go-to drink, this one nails it without being too literal. Wait, actually… pairing drinks can be a tiny commitment, so maybe test the placement first if you’re indecisive.
How to Actually Make This Work For You
Think about what you and your friend genuinely laugh at and then translate that into imagery that won’t embarrass you ten years from now – inside jokes are perfect, but also imagine introducing the design to someone new. Talk placement and lifestyle: pick areas that suit your jobs, clothes, and comfort with visibility, and schedule a consult where you can tweak size, line weight, and color together. Finally, split responsibilities like one of you books the artist and the other brings snacks, and consider a trial with a temporary tattoo or henna version first so you both know you’re actually into the idea before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Think small and specific – matching animals, split objects, or dumb little cartoons that only you two understand. Pick something that still reads lovingly to other people, or lean full weird for maximum laughs.
Consider how often you want to see it and whether your jobs allow visible ink. Try temporary versions and ask your artist about scale before you commit.
Yes, tiny symbols or minimal lines can carry the same emotional weight as big pieces and are easier to live with long-term. Subtlety often ages better in social and professional settings.
Plan for flexibility by choosing placements that can be covered or designs that can be modified into something new. Also, remember tattoos can be adjusted or blended into larger work over time.
I hope this little collection of funny best friend tattoos gave you a dozen directions to giggle about and maybe two that feel like “yep, that’s us.” Save any pins you actually like and send them to your friend so you can argue cheerfully about who picks the artist. If you do end up getting matching ink, text me a photo – I want to see the chaos, promise.
