What does a tear tattoo mean under the eye

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.

Teardrop tattoos can often be seen in TV shows, celebrities, and even some criminal stories. However, their meaning and origin have a much deeper history than shown in pop culture. The teardrop tattoos are most commonly found on the face, near one of the eyes, and sometimes both. The teardrop tattoo has been controversial for a long time, due to being associated with the criminal life and record of some people. However, the real meaning of the teardrop tattoo varies in the great matter of how one perceives it. Certainly, some primary meanings are associated with life in prison, serving a sentence, or even some sad and negative event in life.

What does a tear tattoo mean under the eye

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.

However, that also depends on which facility the person is at, and whether there are some strict culture and policy between the inmates. The teardrop is one of the most widely recognised prison tattoos [1] and has various meanings.

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. Sometimes the exact meaning of the tattoo is known only by the wearer: [12] [13] Portuguese footballer Ricardo Quaresma has never explained his teardrop tattoos.

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 a tear tattoo mean under the eye

While tattoos might be becoming as popular as pierced ears—in fact, Whole Foods might soon offer inking services—there are still certain ones reserved for select members of society. Jailhouse tattoos, also known as black-and-grays, are dangerous in more than one way: The process is illegal, so inmates end up creating their own equipment and ink, and studies have shown a connection between tattoos and high rates of hepatitis C among prisoners. Check out the hidden meanings behind these 11 prison tattoos. Perhaps the most well-known tattoo associated with crime and prison, the teardrop can either be unfilled or opaque. There are many stories about why a prisoner would have this tattoo, but the most common is that an unfilled teardrop might symbolize the death of a loved one, while an opaque one might show that the death has been avenged.

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Furthermore, the teardrop tattoo has also become popular among some subcultures, particularly in the music industry. She opened her own private studio in Hangzhou a few years later. The teardrop tattoo has a significant impact on society, mainly due to its association with gang and prison culture. Next: 15 more prison tattoos and their meanings. Wonderful start to the week. Here are some of the most common misconceptions and controversies surrounding teardrop tattoos:. Examples Origin Usage. In some prisons, inmates get teardrops on the right side of the face to mark remembrance of a friend or a family member that has passed away. However, these vary from facility to facility and can be taken with the grain of salt before believed in fully. 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. Tattoos have a long and fascinating history on their own, representing a complex world that may be hidden to some.

If you are thinking of getting into the realm of having your face inked then an under the eye tattoo would be a great place to start.

Three dots Photo Whiserkino. Trending Designs for Pop Culture dictionary teardrop tattoo or tear drop tattoo [ teer- drop ta-too] August 20, In these contexts, the tattoo is a way of establishing reputation and ranking in the prison hierarchy. Your email address will not be published. However, that also depends on which facility the person is at, and whether there are some strict culture and policy between the inmates. It can also signify that the wearer has killed someone. The teardrop tattoo is also associated with gang affiliation. By C1 Staff Jail staff can stay safer by knowing as much as they can about inmates. Q: Does a teardrop tattoo mean that you murdered someone? Latin Kings have a huge presence both in and out of prison, and their roots go back to the s. The tattoo can indicate that the wearer has served time, been humiliated, or even killed someone.