What does a teardrop tattoo on the eye mean

Tattoos have a long and fascinating history on their own, representing a complex world that may be hidden to some.

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.

What does a teardrop tattoo on the eye 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.

Some claim that A. 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. The teardrop tattoo or tear tattoo is a symbolic tattoo of a tear that is placed underneath the eye.

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.

If you are thinking of getting into the realm of having your face inked then an under the eye tattoo would be a great place to start. The security has clearly shifted and has accepted tattoos more and more. Under the eye, tattoos are quite a popular area where people get themselves inked. Thus, in think the article we have listed 11 amazing under the eye tattoos which will also help us explore their meanings and historical roots to show the bigger picture. These pictures and designs have both modern as well as historical symbolism with them. So take a look ahead. When we think of having an under-the-eye tattoo, we can see one infamous symbol coming to mind which is the most popular, that is, the teardrop symbol. This symbol is best to describe the early commencement of face tattoo and especially the under the eye tattoo. It is also popularly known to be associated with fringe tattoos and prison life. It was used so that one can differentiate between the gang affiliates, violent crimes, and even pay homage to the ones they have lost.

What does a teardrop tattoo on the eye 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. 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. Latin Kings have a huge presence both in and out of prison, and their roots go back to the s. Traditionally, teardrop under eye tattoos were used to denote gang affiliation, mark violent crimes, and pay homage to loved ones lost. Instead of representing murder or lengthy prison sentences, the symbolism behind these under eye tattoos has shifted towards remembrance of lives lost and odes to past struggles. A teardrop tattoo on the face means that the person has committed murder.

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Hidden categories: Articles with short description Short description matches Wikidata Use dmy dates from December Some take it upon themselves to warn others of those negative connotations of the teardrop tattoo. The symbolism of the teardrop tattoo widely varies, however. Motivating Offender Change program. Read Edit View history. Hearts imply that someone is looking for a romantic partner in the prison, which may also be forcibly applied. Wikimedia Commons. The teardrop tattoo has been a popular design in the tattoo industry for years, symbolizing a variety of meanings from loss to triumph. Redefine your inbox with Dictionary. Various services provide removal of the teardrop tattoo , among others, for former gang members and inmates. MS 13 Photo Wikimedia. However, this application is by no means limited to gang or prison culture.

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.

Tattoos have a long and fascinating history on their own, representing a complex world that may be hidden to some. These are not likely to be jailhouse tattoos, as tattoo artists in prisons rarely, if at all, have access to multiple colors of ink. The numbers 14 or 88 on their own can also be used, which sometimes creates confusion. The Daily Beast. The teardrop is one of the most widely recognised prison tattoos [1] and has various meanings. The tattoo is sometimes worn by the female companions of prisoners in solidarity with their loved ones. This tattoo often appears under the left eye. Those serving a longer sentence might get this tattoo done on their wrist, with watch straps and all, much like a real watch. 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. Also known as the quincunx, the four dots on the outside represent four walls, with the fifth on the inside representing the prisoner. 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. Examples of teardrop tattoo Has Portugal ace Ricardo Quaresma had his teardrop face tattoo removed? Photo SAS.