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.

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.

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.

Type of tattoo.

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.

These tattoos come in a wide range of designs and may be combined with one or more other tattoo options. They are a popular option across ink shops all over the world, but should you get one? Do you know all the hidden meanings associated with such a design? Read on. Scientists are yet to establish a unifying reason for why we cry and shed tears, but in humans, tears represent a response to emotional stimuli.

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. This type of teardrop tattoo is featured in pop culture so often, that it is by far the most renowned tear tattoo. Where does it come from?

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The Russian prison tattoo system contains a highly intricate, often esoteric, hierarchy of symbols that can represent different meanings depending on placement. The teardrop has been popularized recently by rappers and other celebrities, but still remains a staple in prisons. This tattoo often appears under the left eye. The clock face itself can come in a few forms, such as the face of a wall clock or a grandfather clock. A teardrop outline represents attempted murder, but it could also mean that the person has a friend who was murdered and that they are now currently seeking vengeance. September 03, PM. The Aging Warrior. MS 13 Photo Wikimedia. This tattoo usually has either 3-points or 5-points, with the five-point crown being more common, thanks to their affiliation with the People Nation Gang, a loose confederation of Chicago gangs whose identifying marker is the number 5. In a court case the defendant, a year- old boy, was found guilty of manslaughter and firearm offenses, prompting a year prison sentence. Note This is not meant to be a formal definition of teardrop tattoo like most terms we define on Dictionary. Cobwebs typically represent a lengthy term in prison.

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

Tools Tools. The teardrop is one of the most widely recognised prison tattoos [1] and has various meanings. Here are 15 tattoos and their secret meanings. La Eme Photo Police Mag. Due to its associations with bad boys and sad boys, the teardrop tattoo is sometimes an object of admiration—or source of humor. Note This is not meant to be a formal definition of teardrop tattoo like most terms we define on Dictionary. Retrieved 3 November Type of tattoo. Scroll to Top. Motivating Offender Change program. In some prisons, the meaning of teardrop tattoos differs depending on which side it is on. Examples Origin Usage.