What does the teardrop tattoo mean

Teardrop tattoo.

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.

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.

Your cart. Download as PDF Printable version. Prison tattoos are the most easily identifiable pieces because of their crude nature and simplicity.

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.

Tattoos have been around for a long time, with different meanings and symbolism behind each one. One of the most recognizable tattoos is the tear drop tattoo. It is a tattoo that features a teardrop shape placed under the eye. It is a small yet powerful tattoo that has gained popularity in recent times. In this article, we will explore the full meaning and symbolism behind the tear drop tattoo. The tear drop tattoo has been associated with different meanings and origins throughout history. The tattoo was placed under the eye, with each tear drop representing a murder or a death that the gang member had witnessed or committed. It was a way of showing off their criminal past and earning respect among their peers. However, in recent years, the tear drop tattoo has taken on new meanings and has become more mainstream. Some people get the tattoo to represent the loss of a loved one or a difficult time in their life.

What does the teardrop tattoo mean

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.

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Risks aside, many find the morose meanings of the teardrop tattoo an attractive look. He has a teardrop tattoo because he spent 5 years in juvenile hall. The clock face itself can come in a few forms, such as the face of a wall clock or a grandfather clock. They are one of the largest and most ruthless prison gangs in the U. Apache Press. The gang and criminal associations of the teardrop tattoo make it sometimes referenced as an object of fear—perhaps as originally intended. Share it in the comments. 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. Cross on the chest Photo Adimaz. Wikimedia Commons. The three dot tattoo is often created using a stick-and-poke method, requiring very rudimentary tools. Toggle limited content width.

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.

Because of its negative associations in mainstream culture, the tattoo has proven problematic for some. I wonder how long before he starts trading him for cigarettes. The teardrop tattoo , often under the right eye, may also signal sad sentiments more generally. Others may get such a tattoo to represent sorrow or loss. Bosnia and Herzegovina Sicanje code: hrv promoted to code: hr. Cultural Diversity: Gender Differences. This is the symbol of the Latin Kings gang, which is one of the biggest Hispanic gangs in the U. September 03, PM. Jail staff can stay safer by knowing as much as they can about inmates. The teardrop has been popularized recently by rappers and other celebrities, but still remains a staple in prisons. The unofficial dividing line between the two is in Delano, California. Here are some of them and their meaning:. Tattoos and tattooing. The teardrop tattoo or tear tattoo is a symbolic tattoo of a tear that is placed underneath the eye.