What does the teardrop tattoo mean

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?

Teardrop tattoo. A tattoo of a teardrop , under the eye of a person that has been raped in prison. The teardrop tattoo is humiliating as the prisoner had the tattoo forced onto them and it may also indicate they're someone else's property, to be sold and traded throughout the penitentiary. An urban myth exists in some circles that the teardrop means the wearer is a murderer; this myth was likely started by those that have been raped and 'teardropped' in prison. When you think about it Can you imagine a murderer who wants others to fear them, asking a tattooist , 'Please place a tiny tattoo on my face that makes me look like I'm crying.

What does the teardrop tattoo 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. 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.

Note This is not meant to be a formal definition of teardrop tattoo like most terms we define on Dictionary. Know a different meaning for the tattoos displayed here?

Log in to check out faster. FREE U. Prison tattoos are something of a bad stain on the tattoo industry. After all, many of the individuals who decide to take their life on a different path want to rid themselves of these shameful marks on their bodies, but that's a topic for another blog entry. Prison tattoos are the most easily identifiable pieces because of their crude nature and simplicity. Here are some of them and their meaning:.

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. It is a small yet powerful tattoo that has gained popularity in recent times. In this article, we will explore the full meaning and symbolism behind the tear drop tattoo. The tear drop tattoo has been associated with different meanings and origins throughout history. The tattoo was placed under the eye, with each tear drop representing a murder or a death that the gang member had witnessed or committed.

What does the teardrop tattoo 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.

Mercedes benz gle 43 amg price

Tattoos and tattooing. The gang and criminal associations of the teardrop tattoo make it sometimes referenced as an object of fear—perhaps as originally intended. Teardrop tattoo. This tattoo is very popular in Russian prisons, where each deck has its own meaning. Except for a few circumstances, crying is frowned upon in the penitentiary; it's a sign of weakness. Not all clock tattoos are tied to prison; generally just the ones lacking hands. Differences between street and prison gangs. Hey see Carlos? Here are some of them and their meaning:. Often found on the knuckles, the tattoo symbolizes a willingness to go to prison for your crew or gang.

The teardrop tattoo, a poignant symbol etched into the skin, carries a tapestry of meanings. Its origins, rooted in prison culture, once signaled involvement in violence. Today, it weaves a spectrum of experiences—from loss and mourning to resilience and personal transformation.

Maybe I'm odd but i find a steroid pumped skinhead with a teardrop tattoo swigging larger shouting insults at random people in a city center far more scary than a Muslim woman in dress. Know a different meaning for the tattoos displayed here? This tattoo is typically found on the hands or around the eyes. Also known as the quincunx, the four dots on the outside represent four walls, with the fifth on the inside representing the prisoner. The gang and criminal associations of the teardrop tattoo make it sometimes referenced as an object of fear—perhaps as originally intended. Some claim that A. A spade represents a thief; clubs symbolize criminals in general. Bosnia and Herzegovina Sicanje code: hrv promoted to code: hr. DOJ report highlights problems with gang activity, unsafe conditions in 3 Miss. Made famous by Johnny Depp's character in the movie Crybaby. This can include gang members commemorating a fallen friend or a spouse showing solidarity for a significant other in prison.