Tattoo tear drops

Portrait of guy with teardrop and face tattoo. Criminal, convict and prison tattoos concept.

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.

Tattoo tear drops

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. Notable wearers are said to include convicted felon Jeremy Meeks, who went viral for an attractive mugshot. Because of its negative associations in mainstream culture, the tattoo has proven problematic for some. In a court case the defendant, a year- old boy, was found guilty of manslaughter and firearm offenses, prompting a year prison sentence. Various services provide removal of the teardrop tattoo , among others, for former gang members and inmates. The teardrop tattoo , often under the right eye, may also signal sad sentiments more generally. This can include gang members commemorating a fallen friend or a spouse showing solidarity for a significant other in prison. However, this application is by no means limited to gang or prison culture. 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.

Woman suffering from depression, sitting and crying. Isolated vector illustration of large cat predator paw emblem. Bear mascot breaking through wall.

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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.

Tattoo tear drops

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.

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Cross Processed colors to create a dramatic scene. Retrieved 28 February Woman eye. Contents move to sidebar hide. Abstract simple eyes with tears. Tools Tools. However, this application is by no means limited to gang or prison culture. European countries South Korea the United States. Vintage pretty chicano girl template. Crying logo isolated on white background. Note This is not meant to be a formal definition of teardrop tattoo like most terms we define on Dictionary.

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?

The Daily Beast. This can include gang members commemorating a fallen friend or a spouse showing solidarity for a significant other in prison. 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. A tough wildcat or cougar animal sports mascot breaking through a wall. Crying logo isolated on white background. This is not meant to be a formal definition of teardrop tattoo like most terms we define on Dictionary. Vector illustration of ouline graphic punk symbols and icons, such as skull, pierced lips, cannabis, rose, fuck gesture and anarchy sign. Wolf mascot break out. To see more:. Aries woman portrait in the wild woods. Tattoos and tattooing. A tattooed female hand stirs a cup of tea. What does teardrop tattoo mean? 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.