What does the teardrop tattoo mean

A teardrop tattoo is a small tattoo in the shape of a teardrop near one or both eyes.

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

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.

Photo SAS. 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. A tattoo of a teardropunder the eye of a person that has been raped in prison.

Teardrop tattoo. A tattoo of a teardrop , under the eye of a person that has been raped in prison. The teardrop tattoo is humiliating as the prisoner had the tattoo forced onto them and it may also indicate they're someone else's property, to be sold and traded throughout the penitentiary. An urban myth exists in some circles that the teardrop means the wearer is a murderer; this myth was likely started by those that have been raped and 'teardropped' in prison. When you think about it Can you imagine a murderer who wants others to fear them, asking a tattooist , 'Please place a tiny tattoo on my face that makes me look like I'm crying. Except for a few circumstances, crying is frowned upon in the penitentiary; it's a sign of weakness.

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.

What does the teardrop tattoo mean

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. At times, they may even have more than one that is either filled with black or left as an outline only. This type of teardrop tattoo is featured in pop culture so often, that it is by far the most renowned tear tattoo. Where does it come from? Well, it first appeared in mainstream media as part of prison culture in the s in New York. A popular magazine published an article about a gang member who was imprisoned in the United States and he donned the now-famous teardrop on his upper cheek. The exact meaning behind the prison teardrop tattoo, however, is highly controversial.

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Originally placed in prison to signify that the bearer was owned by a fellow prisoner. The Daily Beast. Problems arose when men on the outside began to get the tattoos and brag that it signified their killing someone or lost a loved one. Wonderful start to the week. More recently, trendy rappers, hipsters, etc. Examples of teardrop tattoo Has Portugal ace Ricardo Quaresma had his teardrop face tattoo removed? The teardrop tattoo , often under the right eye, may also signal sad sentiments more generally. Jail staff can stay safer by knowing as much as they can about inmates. Journal of Latin American Studies. La Eme Photo Police Mag. The tattoo represents the tears they couldn't cry while being inside. The numbers 14 or 88 on their own can also be used and tend to sometimes create confusion. Here are some of them and their meaning:. Unwittingly they had marked themselves as a target for predators if they ever went to prison.

Tattoos have been around for a long time, with different meanings and symbolism behind each one.

Wonderful start to the week. This tattoo is typically found on the hands or around the eyes. Playing cards, or suits of the deck in general, usually indicate an inmate who likes to gamble. All Store Products. More random definitions. This applies to gambling games both within prison and without; it can also represent a person who generally views life as a gamble. Washington City Paper. 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. The teardrop tattoo , often under the right eye, may also signal sad sentiments more generally. The teardrop tattoo or tear tattoo is a symbolic tattoo of a tear that is placed underneath the eye. Note This is not meant to be a formal definition of teardrop tattoo like most terms we define on Dictionary. Cobwebs typically represent a lengthy term in prison.