For fans of enduring love stories and epic fairy tales, few phrases hold as much power as "As you wish." Uttered by Westley in the timeless classic *The Princess Bride*, these three simple words become the ultimate declaration of love, devotion, and unwavering service. They mean "I love you." They mean "I would do anything for you." They mean "My world is yours."
Choosing to ink "As you wish" onto your skin is a profound statement. It’s a permanent reminder of a love that is true, a bond that is unbreakable, or a personal philosophy of selfless devotion. Whether you’re honoring a partner, celebrating your favorite love story, or embracing your own inner romantic, this tattoo is a beautiful and meaningful choice. Here is a comprehensive list of ideas to help you design the perfect "As you wish" tattoo that tells your own unique story.
For the True Romantic: Classic Script Ideas
Sometimes, the words themselves are all you need. A classic script tattoo lets the iconic phrase shine, focusing on elegance and timelessness. The font you choose can dramatically change the mood, from delicate and personal to bold and declarative.
1. Fine Line Cursive: A single, delicate line of cursive spelling out "As you wish" on the inner wrist or along the collarbone for a subtle, intimate feel.
2. Typewriter Font: A simple, classic typewriter font for a nostalgic, storybook look. Perfect for placement on a forearm or rib cage.
3. Elegant Calligraphy: A flowing, ornate calligraphy that turns the phrase into a piece of art itself, ideal for a larger space like a shoulder blade.
4. Handwritten Replica: Use the actual handwriting of a loved one for the phrase, making it an incredibly personal and unique tribute.
5. Mirrored Script: The phrase "As you wish" tattooed in reverse, so it can only be read correctly when viewed in a mirror—a private message just for you.
6. Broken Up Phrase: "As you" on one wrist and "wish" on the other, the full message only visible when you bring your hands together.
7. Spine Script: The words running vertically down the spine, symbolizing that this love is the backbone of your life.
8. Heartbeat Integration: The phrase seamlessly integrated into the line of an EKG heartbeat, showing that this love is what keeps you going.
A Love Story in Pictures: Symbolic Designs
For those who prefer imagery over text, the world of *The Princess Bride* is rich with symbols that evoke the meaning of "As you wish" without spelling it out.
1. The Dread Pirate Roberts' Mask: A simple black mask, perhaps with a single Buttercup flower entwined around it, representing hidden identity and steadfast love.
2. The Shrieking Eel: A stylized, illustrative tattoo of a shrieking eel, a nod to the adventures Westley endured for his love.
3. A Buttercup Flower: A beautifully rendered buttercup flower, the namesake of Westley's true love, as a subtle and elegant tribute.
4. Silhouette Kiss: The iconic silhouette of Westley and Buttercup sharing their final, perfect kiss.
5. Two Swords Crossed: Two fencing foils crossed, symbolizing the "battle" of wits and wills that defines their relationship and Westley's skill.
6. A Simple Crown and a Pirate's Mask: A small, elegant princess crown next to a simple black mask—two symbols, one love story.
7. The "Iocaine Powder" Goblet: A beautifully ornate wine goblet, a clever and subtle reference for true fans of the film.
8. Cliffs of Insanity: A minimalist line-art depiction of the treacherous cliffs, representing the great lengths one will go to for love.
Two Halves of a Whole: Couple's Tattoo Concepts
The call-and-response nature of Westley and Buttercup's bond makes "As you wish" one of the most perfect concepts for a couple's tattoo. It's a daily, visible reminder of a shared promise.
1. The Classic Pair: One partner gets "As you wish" and the other gets a simple heart or the phrase "farm boy."
2. A Shared Phrase: One person has "As you" and the other has "wish," completing the sentence when they are together.
3. Quote and Response: One partner gets "As you wish," and the other gets "I love you," revealing the true meaning of the iconic line.
4. Matching Symbols: Both partners get a matching symbol from the movie—like the mask or a buttercup flower—tattooed on the same part of their body.
5. Lock and Key: One person gets a vintage lock tattoo with the words "As you wish," and the other gets the matching key.
6. Sun and Moon: One partner gets a sun with the word "wish," and the other gets a moon with the words "As you," symbolizing that their love covers all time.
7. Connected by a Red Thread: Each partner has a small, simple design (like a heart or the initials W & B), with a single red thread tattooed to look like it connects them across the distance.
Creative Placement for Deeper Meaning
Where you place your tattoo can add a powerful layer of symbolism. Think about how the location on your body can enhance the message of devotion, love, and service.
1. Over the Heart: The most classic placement, signifying that this love is at the very core of your being.
2. On the Ring Finger: A delicate script tattoo that wraps around the ring finger, serving as a permanent and personal symbol of commitment.
3. Inner Wrist: A highly visible spot for a personal reminder, easily glanced at throughout the day. It says, "This promise is always with me."
4. Behind the Ear: A whispered secret. This placement is intimate and subtle, a message meant more for the wearer and those they let in close.
5. On the Foot or Ankle: Symbolizing the journey you would walk for love and the path you now share with someone special.
6. Collarbone: A graceful and elegant placement that highlights the phrase beautifully, especially with delicate script.
7. Forearm: A placement that suggests strength and conviction. It’s a bold declaration that you wear your heart on your sleeve.
Making It Uniquely Yours: Personalization Ideas
Take the classic concept and infuse it with your own story. Adding a small, personal detail can transform a beloved quote into a one-of-a-kind tribute to your own love story.
1. Add a Significant Date: Include a wedding anniversary, first-date, or another meaningful date in Roman numerals below the phrase.
2. Incorporate Initials: Weave your and your partner's initials into the design, perhaps hidden within the swirls of a cursive script or the petals of a flower.
3. Use a Specific Flower: Instead of a buttercup, use a flower that is significant to your relationship—the first one you were given or a bloom from your wedding bouquet.
4. A Dash of Color: While many of these designs are stunning in black and gray, adding a splash of a favorite color can make it pop and add personal flair.
5. Include a Location's Coordinates: Add the geographic coordinates of a place that is special to you—where you met, got engaged, or built a home.
6. Combine It With Another Quote: Pair "As you wish" with another short phrase that is meaningful to you, such as "True love" or "Inconceivable!"
7. Fingerprint Heart: Have the phrase tattooed next to a heart made from the actual fingerprints of you and your partner.
No matter which design you choose, the "As you wish" tattoo is a testament to the most powerful force in any story: true love. Take these ideas as a starting point, and don't be afraid to collaborate with your tattoo artist to bring your vision to life. The most beautiful tattoo will be the one that feels like it was made just for you—as you wish.