Meet Queen Christina and Prince Albert

Learn the lingo of body piercings — teen ishtyle!

As piercings become the Mecca of self expression for teens, knowing exactly what your son means when he asks if he can get acquainted with Prince Albert might be a good idea. (Hint: He isn’t fraternising with royalty!)

Long gone are the days of the simple earring - eyebrows and navel piercings are passé as trunk and genital piercings usher in the new cool of Gen X.

Confirms tattoo and body piercing artist, Al Alva, "Lobe and tongue piercings have become very common and teenagers are now asking for more unusual piercings. There is a growing trend amongst teens for genital piercings, especially boys."

So whether you balk at the thought of your teen setting off metal detectors, or you’re cool with the studded look, it’s advisable to have a chat before you agree to an Earl.

In demand piercings
Ampallang: A male genital piercing.
Conch: A piercing thru the main shell of the ear.
Daith: An inner ear cartilage piercing located at the top of the opening of the ear canal.
Earl: A piercing through the bridge of the nose.
Webber: A piercing through the webbing between the thumb and first finger — notorious for not healing.
Industrial: These are pairs of ear piercings with one barbell worn through both holes.
Jungle: A piercing that st icks straight out the front of the nose.
Madison: A surface piercing placed at the base of the neck.
Madonna: An off-centre top lip labret, placed to look like a beauty mark.
Prince Albert: The most popular male genital piercing.
Queen Christina: Female genital piercing.
Smiley: A piercing of the thin webbing between the upper teeth and lip.
Uvula: This rare piercing is of the uvula at the back of the throat opening.