What does a tattooed teardrop mean

Tattoos have a long and fascinating history on their own, representing a complex world that may be hidden to some. Many designs not only communicate a distinct identity but also declare remarkable beliefs.

The teardrop tattoo or tear tattoo is a symbolic tattoo of a tear that is placed underneath the eye. The teardrop is one of the most widely recognised prison tattoos [1] and has various meanings. It can signify that the wearer has spent time in prison, [2] [3] or more specifically that the wearer was raped while incarcerated and tattooed by the rapist as a "property" mark and for humiliation, since facial tattoos cannot be concealed. The tattoo is sometimes worn by the female companions of prisoners in solidarity with their loved ones. It can acknowledge the loss of a friend or family member: Basketball player Amar'e Stoudemire has had a teardrop tattoo since honouring his older brother Hazell Jr. In West Coast gang culture USA , the tattoo may signify that the wearer has killed someone [11] [12] and in some of those circles, the tattoo's meaning can change: an empty outline meaning the wearer attempted murder. Sometimes the exact meaning of the tattoo is known only by the wearer: [12] [13] Portuguese footballer Ricardo Quaresma has never explained his teardrop tattoos.

What does a tattooed teardrop mean

Jail staff can stay safer by knowing as much as they can about inmates. Here are 15 tattoos and their secret meanings. Know a different meaning for the tattoos displayed here? Share it in the comments. Be sure to check out more of our coverage on prison tattoos, including 15 more prison tattoos and their meanings , 12 Russian prison tattoos and their meanings , and a collection of inmate takes on prison ink. The numbers 14 or 88 on their own can also be used, which sometimes creates confusion. Typically, these tattoos can be found anywhere on the body. Cobwebs typically represent a lengthy term in prison. The symbolism is associated with spiders trapping prey; or criminals trapped behind bars. This tattoo is commonly found on the elbow, signifying sitting around so long with your elbows on the table that a spider made a web on your elbow, though it can also be located on the neck. Teardrop Photo trendfashion In some places, the tattoo can mean a lengthy prison sentence, while in others it signifies that the wearer has committed murder. If the teardrop is just an outline, it can symbolize an attempted murder. The teardrop has been popularized recently by rappers and other celebrities, but still remains a staple in prisons. Those who are newbies behind bars with a teardrop tattoo will make a lot of enemies, fast.

A spade represents a thief; clubs symbolize criminals in general.

A teardrop tattoo is a small tattoo in the shape of a teardrop near one or both eyes. It is closely associated with gang and prison culture, where it often indicates one has served time, one has been humiliated, or one has killed. Others may get such a tattoo to represent sorrow or loss. While the practice is almost certainly older, written evidence for teardrop tattoo comes in the s, noted in a New Yorker article about a Mexican gang member who spent time in prison. The symbolism of the teardrop tattoo widely varies, however. This tattoo often appears under the left eye.

These tattoos come in a wide range of designs and may be combined with one or more other tattoo options. They are a popular option across ink shops all over the world, but should you get one? Do you know all the hidden meanings associated with such a design? Read on. Scientists are yet to establish a unifying reason for why we cry and shed tears, but in humans, tears represent a response to emotional stimuli. They run down your face when you are crying as a result of sadness, anger, remorse or joy.

What does a tattooed teardrop mean

The teardrop tattoo has grown in popularity in recent years thanks to the fact that quite a few famous people, including rapper Lil Wayne and singer Amy Winehouse, have gotten one. Most people see the teardrop tattoo as one of the most recognizable prison tattoos, but the fact is that it can have many other different meanings as well. The teardrop tattoo is a symbol that has had negative connotations since it is most often associated with gangs and criminal activities. However, in more recent years the symbol has retained its antisocial origins but has become trendy or topical to some who receive the tattoo for reasons other than crime. Often the teardrop tattoo is meant to indicate that the individual has committed murder. People in prison often have these tattoos both as a symbol of pride and to keep other prisoners from messing with them. In some cases you will see that people will get a teardrop tattoo for every murder that they have committed, so there are sometimes three or more teardrops in a line going down the sides of their faces. The teardrop tattoo can also indicate other serious crimes that have nothing to do with murder.

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Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It can also mean that the person with this tattoo sees life as a gamble, pushing their luck and usually losing. These are not likely to be jailhouse tattoos, as tattoo artists in prisons rarely, if at all, have access to multiple colors of ink. Mike Smith Mike Smith, a talented writer and devoted art enthusiast with a deep love for tattoos. April 27, Music. Tattoos have a long and fascinating history on their own, representing a complex world that may be hidden to some. It can acknowledge the loss of a friend or family member: Basketball player Amar'e Stoudemire has had a teardrop tattoo since honouring his older brother Hazell Jr. The Brotherhood makes up 1 percent of the inmate population, but are responsible for 20 percent of murders inside of U. The 88 represents the 8 th letter of the alphabet: H. These dots differ greatly from the previous tattoo — five dots represents time done in prison.

The teardrop tattoo, an iconic symbol inked beneath the eye, carries profound significance and symbolism within the world of body art. It has garnered attention and intrigue for its enigmatic nature and diverse interpretations. By exploring the history, cultural context, and personal stories attached to this symbol, we can unravel its multifaceted meaning.

They are one of the largest and most ruthless prison gangs in the U. White supremacists use a variety of nazi symbols as tattoos, from the most common swastika and German eagle, to the lightning bolt and SS. Wonderful start to the week. Wikimedia Commons. However, some nazi symbols are less pronounced. Read Edit View history. A filled in teardrop means a death has been avenged. They mostly deal in drug trafficking, but have been known to head human trafficking operations and even child prostitution. The five points are due to the Latin Kings being an affiliate of the People Nation gang, which is represented by the number five. What is the meaning of a teardrop tattoo on a finger? Next: 15 more prison tattoos and their meanings.