Meaning of a teardrop tattoo

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

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.

Meaning of a teardrop 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. Cobwebs typically represent a lengthy term in prison. The symbolism is associated with spiders trapping prey; or criminals trapped behind bars. 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. Teardrop Photo trendfashion In some places, the tattoo can mean a lengthy prison sentence, while in others it signifies that the wearer has committed murder. If the teardrop is just an outline, it can symbolize an attempted murder. The teardrop has been popularized recently by rappers and other celebrities, but still remains a staple in prisons.

Prison tattoos are something of a bad stain on the tattoo industry.

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.

Teardrop tattoos have long been surrounded by mystery, speculation, and controversy. This enigmatic tattoo design, usually placed under the eye, has a history that is often misunderstood. Here we will discover the origins, variations, and meanings of the teardrop tattoo, its influence on popular culture, and the stories of those who choose it. Since the s, the teardrop tattoo has been associated with gang culture. It is believed that the tattoo was initially used to signify that the wearer had killed someone or committed a violent crime. In some gangs, members would earn a teardrop tattoo for each person they killed to display their status and reputation.

Meaning of a teardrop tattoo

Long the focus of internet searches and interesting origin theories, what do teardrop tattoos really mean? Do people get teardrop tattoos in prison? Thanks to television and movies, many people have become fascinated with prison culture and the different rituals and practices that take place behind bars. Of all the different stereotypes and made-for-TV interpretations of life behind bars, one of the most pervasive and dramatized elements is the teardrop tattoo. Despite the prevalence of this trope in television shows and action movies that fictionalize prison life and capture the attention of the masses, this interesting design has its roots planted firmly in reality.

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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. Not all clock tattoos are tied to prison; generally just the ones lacking hands. Prison tattoos are something of a bad stain on the tattoo industry. Diamonds are reserved for stoolpigeons and informants — if the cards have this deck, then it was likely applied with force. Some claim that A. Corrections Prison Gangs Prison Tattoos. Marine Corps Updates Tattoo Policy. In some places, the tattoo can mean a lengthy prison sentence, while in others it signifies that the wearer has committed murder. 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. ISBN Washington City Paper. Categories : Symbols Tattoo designs Prison culture Prison rape. Examples of teardrop tattoo Has Portugal ace Ricardo Quaresma had his teardrop face tattoo removed?

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

The Brotherhood makes up 1 percent of the inmate population, but are responsible for 20 percent of murders inside of U. Your cart is empty Continue shopping Have an account? Russian prisons have a unique and intricate history of prison tattoos, each with their own unique meaning. Three dots Photo Whiserkino. Bosnia and Herzegovina Sicanje code: hrv promoted to code: hr. Sports Grid. Categories : Symbols Tattoo designs Prison culture Prison rape. The symbolism is associated with spiders trapping prey; or criminals trapped behind bars. Jail staff can stay safer by knowing as much as they can about inmates. 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. 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. Where does teardrop tattoo come from? Prison tattoos are the most easily identifiable pieces because of their crude nature and simplicity.