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1. Ancient Greek origin From Ancient Greek στίγμα (stígma), meaning “mark,” “dot,” or “puncture.” It derives from the verb στίζειν (stízein), meaning “to prick, tattoo, or mark.” In Ancient Greek civilization, a stigma was literally a physical mark burned or cut into the skin. These marks were oft…

1. Ancient Greek origin From Ancient Greek στίγμα (stígma), meaning “mark,” “dot,” or “puncture.” It derives from the verb στίζειν (stízein), meaning “to prick, tattoo, or mark.” In Ancient Greek civilization, a stigma was literally a physical mark burned or cut into the skin. These marks were often used to identify: Slaves Criminals Traitors The mark signaled that the person had a socially disgraced status.