What does a tattooed teardrop mean

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.

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?

What does a tattooed teardrop 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. Download as PDF Printable version. In other projects. Wikimedia Commons. Type of tattoo.

This applies to gambling games both within prison and without; it can also represent a person who generally views life as a gamble. The confession: interrogation and criminal profiles for police officers.

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.

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. Generally, however, we have learned to associate tears with negative emotions only.

What does a tattooed teardrop 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. 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.

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Hidden categories: Articles with short description Short description matches Wikidata Use dmy dates from December It could mean dealing with a personal struggle. A teardrop tattoo is a small tattoo in the shape of a teardrop near one or both eyes. Tattoos and tattooing. Scroll to Top. Mike Smith Mike Smith, a talented writer and devoted art enthusiast with a deep love for tattoos. Their industries range from dealing drugs to child prostitution. One thing to note, though: there are plenty of cobweb tattoos in popular culture that make use of multiple colors. Toggle limited content width. They are one of the largest and most ruthless prison gangs in the U. Three dots Photo Whiserkino. The unofficial dividing line between the two is in Delano, California. Creating the perfect teardrop tattoo requires skill, precision, and the right tools.

In the intricate tapestry of body art, few designs stir as much intrigue and controversy as the teardrop tattoo. A small, simple outline of a drop beneath the eye, this tattoo carries a weight far beyond its modest size. Historically enveloped in a cloak of mystery and dark connotations, the teardrop tattoo has been a symbol met with both curiosity and caution.

Their industries range from dealing drugs to child prostitution. Takedown from a figure-four hold. The teardrop has been popularized recently by rappers and other celebrities, but still remains a staple in prisons. Those serving a longer sentence might get this tattoo done on their wrist, with watch straps and all, much like a real watch. Read Edit View history. 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. Feminist Formations. Because tears symbolize sadness, that struggle could be a tragic incident or a traumatic event. Some claim that A. In a court case the defendant, a year- old boy, was found guilty of manslaughter and firearm offenses, prompting a year prison sentence. This tattoo can be found internationally, among both American and European inmates. However, this application is by no means limited to gang or prison culture. Examples Origin Usage.