Meaning of a tear tattoo

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.

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.

Meaning of a tear tattoo

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.

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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.

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. It was a way of showing off their criminal past and earning respect among their peers. However, in recent years, the tear drop tattoo has taken on new meanings and has become more mainstream.

Meaning of a tear tattoo

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.

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Mara Salvatrucha is an extremely violent organization that has businesses all around the United States, El Salvador and Canada. Typically these tattoos can be found anywhere on the body, but are most often found in highly visible places like the face, hands or neck. 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. The numbers 14 or 88 on their own can also be used, which sometimes creates confusion. Due to its associations with bad boys and sad boys, the teardrop tattoo is sometimes an object of admiration—or source of humor. Playing card tattoos are very popular jailhouse tattoos for inmates who are in prison for gambling, or for inmates who love to gamble in general. Tattoos have a long and fascinating history on their own, representing a complex world that may be hidden to some. This is not meant to be a formal definition of teardrop tattoo like most terms we define on Dictionary. Tattoos and tattooing. The Aging Warrior.

These tattoos come in a wide range of designs and may be combined with one or more other tattoo options.

Photo SAS. There are now MS chapters all over the U. Journal of Latin American Studies. Know a different meaning for the tattoos displayed here? This can include gang members commemorating a fallen friend or a spouse showing solidarity for a significant other in prison. Often found on the knuckles, the tattoo symbolizes a willingness to go to prison for your crew or gang. Note This is not meant to be a formal definition of teardrop tattoo like most terms we define on Dictionary. Mike Smith Mike Smith, a talented writer and devoted art enthusiast with a deep love for tattoos. What is the meaning of a teardrop tattoo on a finger? Usually seen on elbows or hands, cobweb tattoos are a classic example of jailhouse ink that symbolizes being behind bars for a really, really long time. Wikimedia Commons. Getting a teardrop tattoo on my face because she fed me hotdogs for dinner. Having this symbol as an inmate can bring you huge benefits from the Brotherhood, but can make you a large and glaring target for non-White inmates. If the teardrop is just an outline, it can symbolize an attempted murder. 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.