Crossword Genius

Toots Tait upset the surface decorator? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tattooist

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'decorator?' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are singular nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I don't see?

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tattooist that I've seen before include "permanent marker?" , "Skin artist" , "Skin decorator" , "Sort of marksman" , "Designer" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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