What does a teardrop tattoo on the eye mean

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. What does a teardrop tattoo on the eye mean jail tattoos take it up a notch: despite the hard setting that these tattoos come from, many of them carry rich symbolismcontroversy synonym 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.

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.

What does a teardrop tattoo on the eye 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.

This tattoo often appears under the left eye. Tattoos and tattooing.

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.

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. The security has clearly shifted and has accepted tattoos more and more. Under the eye, tattoos are quite a popular area where people get themselves inked. Thus, in think the article we have listed 11 amazing under the eye tattoos which will also help us explore their meanings and historical roots to show the bigger picture. These pictures and designs have both modern as well as historical symbolism with them. So take a look ahead. When we think of having an under-the-eye tattoo, we can see one infamous symbol coming to mind which is the most popular, that is, the teardrop symbol.

What does a teardrop tattoo on the eye mean

The teardrop tattoo, a simple yet powerfully symbolic design, has a complex and layered history rooted in prison culture, personal experiences, and various interpretations. While it is most widely recognized as a prison tattoo, the teardrop has found its way into mainstream fashion and media, both contributing to and perpetuating misconceptions and controversy around its meaning. Originally, teardrop tattoos were predominantly associated with gang and prison culture, where they commonly signified that a person had served time, been humiliated, or had killed. However, the meaning of this evocative symbol has evolved over time, with individuals also adopting the teardrop to represent sorrow or loss. Furthermore, the meaning can vary based on factors such as location and number of tears, making it a versatile and deeply personal emblem for those who choose to bear it. The teardrop tattoo, a symbolic design placed underneath the eye, is one of the most widely recognized prison tattoos.

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Diamonds are reserved for stoolpigeons and informants — if the cards have this deck, then it was likely applied with force. Tools Tools. September 03, PM. By C1 Staff Jail staff can stay safer by knowing as much as they can about inmates. 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. 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. Combined, they form HH, a shorthand for Heil Hitler. This can include gang members commemorating a fallen friend or a spouse showing solidarity for a significant other in prison. Typically, these tattoos can be found anywhere on the body. Because tears symbolize sadness, that struggle could be a tragic incident or a traumatic event.

In the intricate tapestry of body art, few designs stir as much intrigue and controversy as the teardrop tattoo.

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. Playing cards, or suits of the deck in general, usually indicate an inmate who likes to gamble. The teardrop has been popularized recently by rappers and other celebrities, but still remains a staple in prisons. Cultural Diversity: Gender Differences. 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. Others may get such a tattoo to represent sorrow or loss. 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. This tattoo often appears under the left eye. Journal of Latin American Studies. Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Your email address will not be published. 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.