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 what does a tattooed teardrop mean humiliation, since facial tattoos cannot be concealed.

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

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. However, this application is by no means limited to gang or prison culture.

A teardrop tattoo on the face means that the person has committed murder.

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.

The teardrop tattoo, an iconic symbol inked beneath the eye, carries profound significance and symbolism within the world of body art. It has garnered attention and intrigue for its enigmatic nature and diverse interpretations. By exploring the history, cultural context, and personal stories attached to this symbol, we can unravel its multifaceted meaning. Originating from prison culture, the teardrop tattoo has been associated with various connotations. A study published in The Journal of Criminal Justice and Popular Culture highlights its prevalence as a marker of criminal history and alleged kill count among inmates. However, its interpretation extends beyond prison walls.

What does a tattooed teardrop mean

I was once captivated by the sight of a person with a teardrop tattoo beneath their eye. It sparked my curiosity, prompting me to delve into the significance behind this enigmatic ink. Teardrop tattoos have long intrigued tattoo enthusiasts and the general public alike. In this blog post, we will explore the origins, symbolism, misconceptions, and various interpretations associated with teardrop tattoos. Join me on this enlightening journey as we uncover the true meaning behind this intriguing tattoo. Teardrop tattoos have a rich history that dates back centuries.

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Categories : Symbols Tattoo designs Prison culture Prison rape. Why does the rapper have four teardrop tattoos? The idea of placing the cobwebs on elbows or on hands is that it signifies sitting with your hands or elbows on a table for so long that a spider has woven a web on you. Three dots Photo Whiserkino. If the teardrop is just an outline, it can symbolize an attempted murder. Those who are newbies behind bars with a teardrop tattoo will make a lot of enemies, fast. 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. 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. These are not likely to be jailhouse tattoos, as tattoo artists in prisons rarely, if at all, have access to multiple colors of ink. Five dots on other parts of the body can have different meanings, such as an association with the People Nation gang. The teardrop tattoo , often under the right eye, may also signal sad sentiments more generally.

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.

Here are some jailhouse tattoos and their hidden meanings: Table of Contents. 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. What does teardrop tattoo mean? This tattoo is commonly found on the elbow, signifying sitting around so long with your elbows on the table that a spider made a web on your elbow, though it can also be located on the neck. 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 three-dot tattoo is usually found around the eyes, or on the hands near the base of the thumb, and unlike other jailhouse tattoos, the three-dot tattoo is most often created using the stick-and-poke method with makeshift tools. 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. Various services provide removal of the teardrop tattoo , among others, for former gang members and inmates. The 88 represents the 8 th letter of the alphabet: H. The teardrop has been popularized recently by rappers and other celebrities, but still remains a staple in prisons.