Meaning of a teardrop tattoo

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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.

Meaning of a teardrop 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. 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.

The unofficial dividing line between the two is in Delano, California.

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.

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.

Meaning of a teardrop tattoo

As we delve into the world of tattoos, one of the most intriguing and layered symbols that catch our collective attention is the teardrop tattoo. This seemingly simple symbol carries a myriad of meanings, deeply personal and intricately intertwined with various societal aspects, from personal loss to power and courage, and from criminal affiliations to protection symbols. A teardrop tattoo can be a heartfelt symbol of profound loss and mourning. For many of us, it represents the grief experienced over the passing of a loved one. The teardrop, a universal symbol of sadness and grief, becomes a permanent testament to the impact the departed soul had on our lives. It serves as a visual reminder of our capacity for love, the pain of loss, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of such adversity. For others among us, a teardrop tattoo symbolizes power. Its bearer wields a wordless declaration of strength and power, often marking a significant turning point in their life. However, we should also note that this interpretation is highly context-specific, often associated with gang or prison culture. Teardrop tattoos can also represent a form of courage.

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Prison Gangs. Your cart is empty Continue shopping Have an account? Categories : Symbols Tattoo designs Prison culture Prison rape. The five points are due to the Latin Kings being an affiliate of the People Nation gang, which is represented by the number five. Teardrop Photo trendfashion These dots differ greatly from the previous tattoo — five dots represents time done in prison. Download as PDF Printable version. This tattoo is typically found on the hands or around the eyes. However, this application is by no means limited to gang or prison culture. 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. This tattoo often appears under the left eye. This tattoo is typically found on the hands or around the eyes. Aryan Brotherhood Photo Media Lib.

These tattoos come in a wide range of designs and may be combined with one or more other tattoo options. They are a popular option across ink shops all over the world, but should you get one? Do you know all the hidden meanings associated with such a design?

Takedown from a figure-four hold. The Daily Beast. Marine Corps Updates Tattoo Policy. Know a different meaning for the tattoos displayed here? Download as PDF Printable version. Feminist Formations. Contents move to sidebar hide. Bosnia and Herzegovina Sicanje code: hrv promoted to code: hr. Motivating Offender Change program. Winehouse appeared in public with a tiny teardrop drawn in eyeliner beneath her left eye. Retrieved 20 September The five points are due to the Latin Kings being an affiliate of the People Nation gang, which is represented by the number five. Playing cards, or suits of the deck in general, usually indicate an inmate who likes to gamble. Talk Like a Pirate D The symbolism is associated with spiders trapping prey; or criminals trapped behind bars.