What does a tear tattoo mean under the eye

Jail staff can stay safer by knowing as much as they can about inmates. Here are 15 tattoos and their secret meanings.

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.

What does a tear tattoo mean under the eye

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. The meaning of teardrop tattoos can vary depending on the geography, but they all have the same premise: it symbolizes murder. A teardrop tattoo on the face means that the person has committed murder. A teardrop outline represents attempted murder, but it could also mean that the person has a friend who was murdered and that they are now currently seeking vengeance. A filled in teardrop means a death has been avenged. Other sources also indicate that a tear tattoo could mean remorse; one teardrop under the eye serves as a reminder to the person of a mistake. Another, less popular symbolism for this prison tattoo is solidarity or support. In some prisons, the meaning of teardrop tattoos differs depending on which side it is on. A teardrop tattoo on the left eye means that the person murdered someone in jail, and a teardrop tattoo on the right eye means the person lost a family or gang member to murder.

What does teardrop tattoo mean?

Posted by superadmin Jul 29, Tattoo Designs 0. As someone who is interested in tattoos, I have always been curious about the meaning behind different designs. One tattoo that has always caught my attention is the teardrop tattoo. This small tattoo in the shape of a teardrop near one or both eyes has become widely recognized as a symbol of gang and prison culture. However, its meaning can vary depending on the person wearing it and their location.

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. 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.

What does a tear tattoo mean under the eye

The teardrop tattoo, a simple yet powerfully symbolic design, has a complex and layered history rooted in prison culture, personal experiences, and various interpretations. While it is most widely recognized as a prison tattoo, the teardrop has found its way into mainstream fashion and media, both contributing to and perpetuating misconceptions and controversy around its meaning. Originally, teardrop tattoos were predominantly associated with gang and prison culture, where they commonly signified that a person had served time, been humiliated, or had killed.

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However, it is important to note that this interpretation is not always accurate, and the tattoo may have other meanings. It can also symbolize the four elements of nature: earth, air, fire, and water. Know a different meaning for the tattoos displayed here? As mentioned earlier, for the last 40 to 50 years, the trend with teardrop tattoos has often been associated with the meanings related to the criminal record, street fights and murders, and the life inside the prison. She covers topics like tattoo history, artistic styles, safety tips, design inspiration, and more. The teardrop tattoo is also associated with gang affiliation. When she's not writing or managing Tattoo HQ, Bella connects with fellow artists and aficionados at conventions. Skip to content. In some cases, it may represent a significant loss or sorrow. If this is indeed the case, we could say that…. It is believed that the teardrop tattoo has a long history. Redefine your inbox with Dictionary.

Tattoos have been around for a long time, with different meanings and symbolism behind each one. One of the most recognizable tattoos is the tear drop tattoo. It is a tattoo that features a teardrop shape placed under the eye.

You can also find them on fingers. Differences between street and prison gangs. Retrieved 28 February Feminist Formations. September 03, PM. Some of those meanings…. Tattoos have a long and fascinating history on their own, representing a complex world that may be hidden to some. In some places, the tattoo can mean a lengthy prison sentence, while in others it signifies that the wearer has committed murder. There are a few celebrities that tattooed a teardrop to highlight the loss of a loved one. The popular magazine then published an article about the life of a Mexican gang member who was sentenced to a certain time in the United States prison. Q: Does a teardrop tattoo mean that you murdered someone?