Meaning of a tear tattoo

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.

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. But jail tattoos take it up a notch: despite the hard setting that these tattoos come from, many of them carry rich symbolism , often blending the esoteric with the practical, the shocking with the plain. Many of these jailhouse tattoos have crossed over to mainstream culture, although some people might be unaware of their origins. Here are some jailhouse tattoos and their hidden meanings:. What does a teardrop tattoo mean? Easily one of the most popular prison tattoos in popular culture, the teardrop tattoo actually has a less innocent meaning behind it.

Meaning of a tear tattoo

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.

Usually seen on elbows or hands, cobweb tattoos are a classic example of jailhouse ink that symbolizes being behind bars for a really, really long time.

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.

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. This type of teardrop tattoo is featured in pop culture so often, that it is by far the most renowned tear tattoo. Where does it come from? Well, it first appeared in mainstream media as part of prison culture in the s in New York. A popular magazine published an article about a gang member who was imprisoned in the United States and he donned the now-famous teardrop on his upper cheek. The exact meaning behind the prison teardrop tattoo, however, is highly controversial. In a general sense, one can say that it symbolizes the downsides of being in prison.

Meaning of a tear tattoo

Tattoos serve as personal narratives, stories etched into our skin. Amidst the myriad designs, the tear tattoo emerges, evoking curiosity and a fundamental question: What does a tattoo of a tear mean? A teardrop tattoo encapsulates diverse meanings, symbolizing experiences with loss, mourning, or time spent in prison. Its roots trace back to prison culture, signifying involvement in a violent act.

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What does a teardrop tattoo mean? Your email address will not be published. The teardrop tattoo , often under the right eye, may also signal sad sentiments more generally. Tools Tools. The three dot tattoo is often created using a stick-and-poke method, requiring very rudimentary tools. Teardrop Photo trendfashion Johnny Depp wears a teardrop tattoo as a melancholy heartthrob in the film Cry-Baby for his ability to shed a single tear at will. Mara Salvatrucha is an extremely violent organization that has businesses all around the United States, El Salvador and Canada. Playing card tattoos are very popular jailhouse tattoos for inmates who are in prison for gambling, or for inmates who love to gamble in general. Not all clock tattoos are tied to prison; generally just the ones lacking hands. These dots differ greatly from the previous tattoo — five dots represents time done in prison. You can also find them on fingers.

The teardrop tattoo, an iconic symbol inked beneath the eye, carries profound significance and symbolism within the world of body art.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Your email address will not be published. Share it in the comments. These are not likely to be jailhouse tattoos, as tattoo artists in prisons rarely, if at all, have access to multiple colors of ink. Various services provide removal of the teardrop tattoo , among others, for former gang members and inmates. Article Talk. Redefine your inbox with Dictionary. However, some nazi symbols are less pronounced. La Eme was started not in Mexico, but in Mexican-Americans who were incarcerated in American prisons. La Eme Photo Police Mag. Photo SAS. A teardrop tattoo is a small tattoo in the shape of a teardrop near one or both eyes. Differences between street and prison gangs.