What does the teardrop tattoo mean

Log in to check out faster. FREE U. Prison tattoos are something of a bad stain on the tattoo industry.

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 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. 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. Johnny Depp wears a teardrop tattoo as a melancholy heartthrob in the film Cry-Baby for his ability to shed a single tear at will.

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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

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. Beyond the confines of the prison system, the teardrop tattoo assumes different meanings. It can represent mourning, grief, or serve as a permanent tribute to lost loved ones.

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.

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Article Talk. Winehouse appeared in public with a tiny teardrop drawn in eyeliner beneath her left eye. The gang and criminal associations of the teardrop tattoo make it sometimes referenced as an object of fear—perhaps as originally intended. A murderer and a rape victim are polar opposites of the prisoner spectrum and realistically, would you cry after murdering someone or after being raped? Note This is not meant to be a formal definition of teardrop tattoo like most terms we define on Dictionary. 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. Getting a teardrop tattoo on my face because she fed me hotdogs for dinner. A teardrop tattoo is a small tattoo in the shape of a teardrop near one or both eyes. This can include gang members commemorating a fallen friend or a spouse showing solidarity for a significant other in prison. Not all clock tattoos are tied to prison; generally just the ones lacking hands. In the s, the late Amy Winehouse got a teardrop tattoo as did rapper Lil Wayne in to express personal distress or loss. The numbers 14 or 88 on their own can also be used, which sometimes creates confusion.

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.

This is not meant to be a formal definition of teardrop tattoo like most terms we define on Dictionary. This tattoo is typically found on the hands or around the eyes. Hidden categories: Articles with short description Short description matches Wikidata Use dmy dates from December This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. A spade represents a thief; clubs symbolize criminals in general. Here are 15 tattoos and their secret meanings. Redefine your inbox with Dictionary. Various services provide removal of the teardrop tattoo , among others, for former gang members and inmates. Your cart. 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. Next: 15 more prison tattoos and their meanings. Inuit Kakiniit code: iku promoted to code: iu , Tavlugun code: ipk promoted to code: ik Osage Haudenosaunee.