What does the teardrop tattoo mean

Log in to check out faster. FREE U. Prison tattoos are something of a bad stain on the tattoo industry.

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.

What does the teardrop tattoo mean

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. Contents move to sidebar hide. Article Talk. Read Edit View history. Tools Tools.

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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.

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. Originating from prison culture, the teardrop tattoo has been associated with various connotations. A study published in The Journal of Criminal Justice and Popular Culture highlights its prevalence as a marker of criminal history and alleged kill count among inmates. However, its interpretation extends beyond prison walls. Beyond the confines of the prison system, the teardrop tattoo assumes different meanings.

What does the teardrop tattoo mean

When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. The teardrop tattoo is often used as a trope in movies as a gang or prison tattoo. Teardrop tattoos can be very meaningful. At times, they may even have more than one that is either filled with black or left as an outline only.

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Marine Corps Updates Tattoo Policy. When you think about it The tattoo represents the tears they couldn't cry while being inside. Playing cards Photo Tattos Time. Journal of Latin American Studies. Risks aside, many find the morose meanings of the teardrop tattoo an attractive look. Categories : Symbols Tattoo designs Prison culture Prison rape. Notable wearers are said to include convicted felon Jeremy Meeks, who went viral for an attractive mugshot. Download as PDF Printable version. See that guy with the teardrop tattoo , he was raped in prison. More random definitions. Here are 15 tattoos and their secret meanings. Cobwebs typically represent a lengthy term in prison. Except for a few circumstances, crying is frowned upon in the penitentiary; it's a sign of weakness. In some places, the tattoo can mean a lengthy prison sentence, while in others it signifies that the wearer has committed murder.

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.

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. This tattoo is typically found on the hands or around the eyes. It's one of the most recognized prison tattoos around. This number carries a load of negativity with it. Typically, these tattoos can be found anywhere on the body. Another example are bells, symbolizing freedom, or a tiger on the chest is symbolic of aggression toward the police. The teardrop has been popularized recently by rappers and other celebrities, but still remains a staple in prisons. The three-dot tattoo is often created using a stick-and-poke method; a very simple, yet effective prison tattoo method. FREE U. Also known as the quincunx, the four dots on the outside represent four walls, with the fifth on the inside representing the prisoner. Russian prisons have a unique and intricate history of prison tattoos, each with their own unique meaning. Except for a few circumstances, crying is frowned upon in the penitentiary; it's a sign of weakness.