Kendall Jenner’s Drunken Tattoo: The Shocking Story Behind “Meow”

Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates from Your Next Shoes. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure for more details.

For most people, getting a tattoo is a huge decision, and they contemplate it for weeks, months, or even years. However, that wasn’t the case for Kendall Jenner.

In September 2016, she went to West 4 Tattoo parlor in New York City and drunkenly got the word “meow” tattooed on the inside of her bottom lip by celebrity tattoo artist JonBoy. The appropriate question you might be asking is, why?

Kendall Jenner shocked many fans when she got a tattoo spelling out "Meow" on the inside of her bottom lipKendall Jenner shocked many fans when she got a tattoo spelling out “Meow” on the inside of her bottom lip

According to Kendall Jenner, when she went on The Ellen Degeneres Show, it was the first thing that came to her mind in her inebriated state. She states, “I was drunk! I was not thinking clearly!”

The word “Meow,” Kendall added, “was literally the first thing that came to my mind.”

How Painful Is an Inner Lip Tattoo? Kendall Jenner’s Experience

When you think of the most painful places to get a tattoo, you probably think of your foot, ankle, rib cage, or groin. Does the inside of the lip fall into this category?

According to Jenner, it didn’t hurt at all! We’ll never know whether that’s because lips are mostly “fattiness” (as Jenner put it) or because she had one too many drinks. Maybe it was a combination of both?

“It’s just, like, fattiness,” she said about the lack of pain. “I don’t even know what this is. Is it muscle? Fat? Like, bone hurts really bad.”

Kendall Jenner reveals her unexpected "Meow" lip tattoo, a spontaneous decision made during a night out in New York CityKendall Jenner reveals her unexpected “Meow” lip tattoo, a spontaneous decision made during a night out in New York City

Once you get a tattoo, there’s no undoing it—unless you’re willing to endure the often painful and costly process of tattoo removal.

Does Kendall Jenner Regret Her Lip Tattoo?

Some people regret their tattoos, while others embrace the story behind them. So, when Kendall Jenner sobered up the next day, did she regret her impulsive decision?

She admitted to having some regret but ultimately saw it as a fun memory. Since she already had two other tattoos, the experience wasn’t entirely new—perhaps making it easier to accept.

“All my friends have them,” Kendall said about her finger tattoos. “I was like, I just want to know what it feels like.”

Her sister Kim had previously advised her against getting tattoos, famously saying, ‘Don’t put a bumper sticker on a Bentley.’ This suggests that her family may have had different feelings about the tattoo.

Additionally, a common inconvenience with inner lip tattoos is that they are rarely permanent. Because of the location, they usually last only a few years.

So, she likely won’t have to worry too much about it in the long term. This can be a positive or negative, depending on how you look at it.

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by c/s ∴jon✞boy∴ p/v (@jonboytattoo)

Lip tattoos can be a fun and unique form of self-expression, but they often fade over time and may require touch-ups to maintain their appearance. If you love the design but aren’t ready for a permanent commitment, a temporary tattoo offers a stylish, risk-free alternative.

Inner Lip Tattoos: Risks, Safety, and Expert Advice

You’re also probably wondering whether it’s safe to have ink inside your mouth and if it can cause any health concerns.

Lip tattoos are extremely popular today, especially among celebrities. It’s an easy location to hide; you can get absolutely anything you want, and people may never find out unless you want them to.

Regarding health issues, according to Mayo Clinic, all tattoos run the risk of infection, allergic reaction, and swelling, and in rare cases, the ink can seep into the bloodstream and cause sepsis. Our mouths carry billions of bacteria, all posing a higher threat to infection.

Before getting a tattoo, it’s crucial to research the parlor’s credibility, hygiene standards, and customer reviews to ensure a safe and professional experience.

Tattoos as a Bold Fashion Statement in Celebrity Culture

Tattoos have transcended their traditional roots to become powerful fashion statements in celebrity culture. Stars like Lea Michele and Rihanna have embraced this trend, adorning their feet with intricate designs that often complement their red carpet ensembles.

Lea’s butterfly tattoos and Rihanna’s Egyptian falcon ink are prime examples of how tattoos can enhance personal style.

Similarly, neck tattoos have gained popularity, with celebrities such as Selena Gomez and Cara Delevingne opting for matching rose designs, adding a touch of elegance to their appearances.

Just as Kendall embraces impulsive tattoos, she’s also known for daring fashion risks—especially when it comes to her shoe game.

Kendall Jenner Expands Her Social Media Presence with Snapchat

Kendall Jenner effortlessly nails off-duty chic in a wide-brimmed straw hat, round sunglasses, a sleek black crop top, high-waisted denim jeans, and a suede handbag adorned with a playful fur keychain while out in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, on March 25, 2016Kendall Jenner effortlessly nails off-duty chic in a wide-brimmed straw hat, round sunglasses, a sleek black crop top, high-waisted denim jeans, and a suede handbag adorned with a playful fur keychain while out in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, on March 25, 2016 (Credit: WENN)

As if we weren’t getting enough of the Jenner-Kardashian brood all over our social media feeds, in March 2016, Kendall Jenner opened another social media account.

After amassing millions of followers just with her Instagram and Twitter — and starting her app — the older Jenner sister decided it was time to join Snapchat.

Kendall Jenner is wearing Stella McCartney "Elyse" platform oxfords, a bold and stylish footwear choice featuring black faux leather uppers, thick wooden wedge soles, and serrated white rubber outsolesKendall Jenner is wearing Stella McCartney “Elyse” platform oxfords, a bold and stylish footwear choice featuring black faux leather uppers, thick wooden wedge soles, and serrated white rubber outsoles (Credit: WENN)

Kendall was first spotted in Beverly Hills before meeting with her sister, Khloé Kardashian, for some Snapchat fun. The young model slipped into a pair of denim jeans by REdone, which she paired with a black crop top.

Kendall accessorized with a multi-layer necklace from Are You Am I, a pair of sunglasses from Ahlem Eyewear, a Saint Laurent purse with a Fendi keychain, and the Stella McCartney “Elyse” platform sneakers.

Kendall Jenner effortlessly nails off-duty style in cropped denim, a classic black tee, Stella McCartney platform oxfords, and a chic straw hat, adding a pop of texture with a suede Saint Laurent bag and furry keychainKendall Jenner effortlessly nails off-duty style in cropped denim, a classic black tee, Stella McCartney platform oxfords, and a chic straw hat, adding a pop of texture with a suede Saint Laurent bag and furry keychain (Credit: WENN)

Later that day, Kendall tweeted about her Snapchat, telling fans to wait since she was still setting it up. She later tweeted her username for her anticipating followers: kendalljenner. Surprise, surprise.

Kendall shared her first snap videos, which included a funny clip of her sister Khloe yelling for some unknown reason.

Kendall Jenner’s Love for Statement Footwear

Kendall Jenner’s bold fashion choices often extend to her footwear. Notably, she has been spotted wearing Stella McCartney’s distinctive platform oxfords, which have become a favorite among celebrities.

For instance, Kourtney Kardashian was seen pairing these statement shoes with a sleek black jumpsuit, showcasing their versatility.

Similarly, Viola Davis embraced the trend by donning gold Stella McCartney ‘Elyse’ creepers, adding a touch of glamour to her ensemble. These instances highlight how the ‘Elyse’ platform oxfords have become a staple in many wardrobes, offering both style and comfort.

You can order Kendall’s Stella McCartney “Elyse” Platform Sneakers at Nordstrom and Farfetch.

Stella McCartney Elyse Derby ShoesStella McCartney ‘Elyse’ Derby Platform Shoes, $995

Kendall Jenner’s Latest Shoe Choices: Chic and Timeless

Kendall Jenner’s recent footwear choices continue to set trends, seamlessly blending comfort with high fashion.

During Paris Fashion Week in January 2025, she was spotted in a chic Bottega Veneta ensemble, pairing a checkered jacket with striped trousers and completing the look with sleek black loafers from The Row.

This minimalist approach contrasts with the chunky loafers and socks combination popularized by other style icons, highlighting Kendall’s unique influence on contemporary footwear trends.