Meaning of a tear tattoo

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

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. But jail tattoos take it up a notch: despite the hard setting that these tattoos come from, many of them carry rich symbolism , often 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. Here are some jailhouse tattoos and their hidden meanings:. What does a teardrop tattoo mean?

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. 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. Johnny Depp wears a teardrop tattoo as a melancholy heartthrob in the film Cry-Baby for his ability to shed a single tear at will.

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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.

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.

Meaning of a tear tattoo

Tattoos serve as personal narratives, stories etched into our skin. Amidst the myriad designs, the tear tattoo emerges, evoking curiosity and a fundamental question: What does a tattoo of a tear mean? A teardrop tattoo encapsulates diverse meanings, symbolizing experiences with loss, mourning, or time spent in prison. Its roots trace back to prison culture, signifying involvement in a violent act. Beyond this, it embodies resilience, personal transformation, or emotional struggles.

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Some take it upon themselves to warn others of those negative connotations of the teardrop tattoo. Diamonds are reserved for stoolpigeons and informants — if the cards have this deck, then it was likely applied with force. One thing to note, though: there are plenty of cobweb tattoos in popular culture that make use of multiple colors. Unlike American tattoos, these suites are usually applied in Russian prison by force, usually as a punishment for breaking prison codes of honor, or if they insult a high-ranking gang member. The confession: interrogation and criminal profiles for police officers. The idea of placing the cobwebs on elbows or on hands is that it signifies sitting with your hands or elbows on a table for so long that a spider has woven a web on you. Five dots on other parts of the body can have different meanings, such as an association with the People Nation gang. Prison Gangs. Go to mobile version. You can also find them on fingers. Cultural Diversity: Gender Differences.

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.

Due to its associations with bad boys and sad boys, the teardrop tattoo is sometimes an object of admiration—or source of humor. Five dots Photo My Sarisari Store. Article Talk. Mike Smith Mike Smith, a talented writer and devoted art enthusiast with a deep love for tattoos. Where does teardrop tattoo come from? By C1 Staff Jail staff can stay safer by knowing as much as they can about inmates. The gang and criminal associations of the teardrop tattoo make it sometimes referenced as an object of fear—perhaps as originally intended. Categories : Symbols Tattoo designs Prison culture Prison rape. 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. Other sources also indicate that a tear tattoo could mean remorse; one teardrop under the eye serves as a reminder to the person of a mistake. The teardrop has been popularized recently by rappers and other celebrities, but still remains a staple in prisons. Based out of Chicago, the Latin Kings are an extremely organized gang that uses heavy symbolism in their rituals and hierarchy, and boasts tens of thousands of members from coast to coast. La Eme was started not in Mexico, but in Mexican-Americans who were incarcerated in American prisons. The Brotherhood makes up 1 percent of the inmate population, but are responsible for 20 percent of murders inside of U. Playing cards Photo Tattos Time.