What does a teardrop tattoo on the eye mean

Jail staff can stay safer by knowing as much as they can about inmates.

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.

What does a teardrop tattoo on the eye mean

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? Easily one of the most popular prison tattoos in popular culture, the teardrop tattoo actually has a less innocent meaning behind it. The meaning of teardrop tattoos can vary depending on the geography, but they all have the same premise: it symbolizes murder. A teardrop tattoo on the face means that the person has committed murder. A teardrop outline represents attempted murder, but it could also mean that the person has a friend who was murdered and that they are now currently seeking vengeance. A filled in teardrop means a death has been avenged. 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. Another, less popular symbolism for this prison tattoo is solidarity or support.

This tattoo can be found pretty much anywhere on the body. 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 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.

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.

What does a teardrop tattoo on the eye mean

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. Contents move to sidebar hide.

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Playing cards, or suits of the deck in general, usually indicate an inmate who likes to gamble. Aryan Brotherhood Photo Media Lib. Sports Grid. Why does the rapper have four teardrop tattoos? Notable wearers are said to include convicted felon Jeremy Meeks, who went viral for an attractive mugshot. Five dots on other parts of the body can have different meanings, such as an association with the People Nation gang. However, some nazi symbols are less pronounced. This can include gang members commemorating a fallen friend or a spouse showing solidarity for a significant other in prison. Teardrop Photo trendfashion Diamonds are reserved for stoolpigeons and informants — if the cards have this deck, then it was likely applied with force.

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

Why does the rapper have four teardrop tattoos? Many of these jailhouse tattoos have crossed over to mainstream culture, although some people might be unaware of their origins. Sports Grid. Go to mobile version. Often found on the knuckles, the tattoo symbolizes a willingness to go to prison for your crew or gang. Retrieved 28 February About The Author. By C1 Staff Jail staff can stay safer by knowing as much as they can about inmates. Cultural Diversity: Gender Differences. La Eme Photo Police Mag. A filled in teardrop means a death has been avenged. Contents move to sidebar hide. Easily one of the most popular prison tattoos in popular culture, the teardrop tattoo actually has a less innocent meaning behind it.