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 symbolismoften blending the esoteric with the practical, the shocking with the plain.

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.

What does a teardrop tattoo on the eye 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. Those who are newbies behind bars with a teardrop tattoo will make a lot of enemies, fast.

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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.

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

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. In some places, the tattoo can mean a lengthy prison sentence, while in others it signifies that the wearer has committed murder.

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What is the meaning of a teardrop tattoo on a finger? Jail staff can stay safer by knowing as much as they can about inmates. A spade represents a thief; clubs symbolize criminals in general. Here are 15 tattoos and their secret meanings. What does a teardrop tattoo mean? La Eme was started not in Mexico, but in Mexican-Americans who were incarcerated in American prisons. They are one of the largest and most ruthless prison gangs in the U. In the s, the late Amy Winehouse got a teardrop tattoo as did rapper Lil Wayne in to express personal distress or loss. In some places, the tattoo can mean a lengthy prison sentence, while in others it signifies that the wearer has committed murder. Some take it upon themselves to warn others of those negative connotations of the teardrop tattoo. Where does teardrop tattoo come from? Diamonds are reserved for stoolpigeons and informants — if the cards have this deck, then it was likely applied with force. Another example are bells, symbolizing freedom, or a tiger on the chest is symbolic of aggression toward the police.

In the intricate tapestry of body art, few designs stir as much intrigue and controversy as the teardrop tattoo. A small, simple outline of a drop beneath the eye, this tattoo carries a weight far beyond its modest size. Historically enveloped in a cloak of mystery and dark connotations, the teardrop tattoo has been a symbol met with both curiosity and caution.

Journal of Latin American Studies. Where does teardrop tattoo come from? Some claim that A. Cross on the chest Photo Adimaz. With these budget-friendly machines, tattoo artists can create professional-grade teardrop tattoos without breaking the bank. These machines offer high-quality features such as adjustable needles and varying speed settings, allowing artists to perfect their craft while keeping costs low. Motivating Offender Change program. About The Author. They are one of the largest and most ruthless prison gangs in the U. Those who are newbies behind bars with a teardrop tattoo will make a lot of enemies, fast.