Meaning of a tear tattoo

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

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

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.

September 03, PM. Playing cards Photo Tattos Time. But jail tattoos take it up a notch: despite the hard setting that these tattoos come from, many of them carry rich symbolismoften blending the esoteric with the practical, meaning of a tear tattoo, the shocking with the plain.

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.

There are many theories about the origin of tear tattoos, but the biggest one is about it being a prison tattoo. In prison culture, having a tear as a tattoo means that the person has committed a crime. The more tattooed tears, the higher the death toll. There are also some variations, such as an outline, which can signify a attempted murder or quest for vengeance filled in after it is done. Regarding the side of the face on which it is made, there are differences between the meanings: on the left side it means murder and on the right side it means the loss of a loved one. This symbol is very popular, especially when you want to attract attention. Despite its meaning, many people outside the prison environment, including celebrities, like to tattoo them, because they think that this way they can pass on an image of themselves. For this reason, it is no longer seen as something exclusive to criminals. BlendUp " Meaning of the Tear Tattoo. Comments are closed.

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.

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Many designs not only communicate a distinct identity but also declare remarkable beliefs. La Eme was started not in Mexico, but in Mexican-Americans who were incarcerated in American prisons. The unofficial dividing line between the two is in Delano, California. 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. About The Author. 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. This tattoo can be found pretty much anywhere on the body. Categories : Symbols Tattoo designs Prison culture Prison rape. One thing to note, though: there are plenty of cobweb tattoos in popular culture that make use of multiple colors. 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. Mike Smith Mike Smith, a talented writer and devoted art enthusiast with a deep love for tattoos. Playing cards, or suits of the deck in general, usually indicate an inmate who likes to gamble. Differences between street and prison gangs. Inuit Kakiniit code: iku promoted to code: iu , Tavlugun code: ipk promoted to code: ik Osage Haudenosaunee. Tools Tools.

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.

Basic weapon retention. Photo SAS. Wikimedia Commons. Also known as the quincunx, the four dots on the outside represent four walls, with the fifth on the inside representing the prisoner. It could mean dealing with a personal struggle. Another, less popular symbolism for this prison tattoo is solidarity or support. Wonderful start to the week. September 03, PM. Type of tattoo. Share it in the comments. Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Your email address will not be published. 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. Feminist Formations.