What Does A Tear Drop Tattoo 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.
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What does a tattoo of a teardrop mean?
By C1 Staff Jail staff can stay safer by knowing as much as they can about inmates. And sometimes, inmates make it easy to know exactly what they’ve been up to through the use of tattoos. Here are 15 tattoos and their secret meanings. Know a different meaning for the tattoos displayed here? Share it in the comments. 
1488 (Photo freetattoodesigns. org) This number can be found on white supremacist/Nazi inmates. The numbers 14 or 88 on their own can also be used, which sometimes creates confusion. Fourteen represents fourteen words, which are a quote by Nazi leader David Lane: “We must secure the existence of our people and a future for White Children.
- 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 88 is shorthand for the 8 th letter of the alphabet twice, HH, which represents Heil Hitler. Typically, these tattoos can be found anywhere on the body. 
The Cobweb (Photo Timeless Tattoos Glasglow) 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 trendfashion2013) One of the most widely recognized prison tattoos, the teardrop’s meaning varies geographically. 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. It can also mean that one of the inmate’s friends was murdered and that they are seeking revenge.
If you see a multi-colored web, it’s probably not a prison tattoo; tattoo ‘artists’ in jail rarely have access to colored ink. 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. 
Five-point crown (Photo Gwan Soon Lee Tattoo) This is the symbol of the Latin Kings gang, which is one of the biggest Hispanic gangs in the U. based out of Chicago. The crown will often be accompanied by the letters ALKN, which stands for Almighty Latin Kings Nation. The five points are due to the Latin Kings being an affiliate of the People Nation gang, which is represented by the number five. Latin Kings have a huge presence both in and out of prison, and their roots go back to the 1940s. 
Three dots (Photo Whiserkino) The three dots tattoo is a common prison tattoo that represents “mi vida loca,” or “my crazy life. ” It’s not associated with any particular gang, but with the gang lifestyle itself. This tattoo is typically found on the hands or around the eyes. It can also carry some religious significance, such as representing Christianity’s holy trinity. The three dot tattoo is often created using a stick-and-poke method, requiring very rudimentary tools. 
Five dots (Photo My Sarisari Store) These dots differ greatly from the previous tattoo – five dots represents time done in prison. Also known as the quincunx, the four dots on the outside represent four walls, with the fifth on the inside representing the prisoner. This tattoo can be found internationally, among both American and European inmates. The dots are typically found on an inmate’s hand, between the thumb and forefinger. 
The clock with no hands (Photo Tattoo Me Pink) This tattoo is, fairly obviously, representative of ‘doing time’ and doing a lot of it. Those serving a longer sentence might get this tattoo done on their wrist, with watch straps and all, much like a real watch. The clock face itself can come in a few forms, such as the face of a wall clock or a grandfather clock. Not all clock tattoos are tied to prison; generally just the ones lacking hands. 
Aryan Brotherhood (Photo Media Lib) This prison gang has a variety of tattoos to look out for, ranging from ‘AB’ to Nazi symbols like a swastika or SS bolts. The Brotherhood makes up 1 percent of the inmate population, but are responsible for 20 percent of murders inside of U. prisons, so identifying these tattoos are extremely beneficial. The tattoos can also be referred to as Alice Baker, the One-Two, or The Brand. 
Norte ñ o (Photo Know Gangs) Norteño tattoos represent the Nuestra Familia gang, which is associated with Hispanic gangs in Northern California. Their tattoos include the word Norteño, Nuestra Familia, a sombrero symbol, the letter N or the number 14, symbolizing the 14 th letter of the alphabet (yup – the letter N). The Norteños are rivals of the Suerños, Hispanic gangs based out of Southern California.
Other details of the crown, such as the colors of the jewels in the points, can have a whole other level of hidden meanings. Five dots on other parts of the body can have different meanings, such as an association with the People Nation gang.
The unofficial dividing line between the two is in Delano, California. The Norteños identify themselves with red bandanas and mainly get their income from smuggling and distributing cocaine, heroin and meth. 
La Eme (Photo Police Mag) ‘La Eme,’ or The M, is the symbol of the Mexican Mafia. They are one of the largest and most ruthless prison gangs in the U. They’re allied with the Aryan Brotherhood, and have a common enemy in the Nuestra Familia. La Eme was started not in Mexico, but in Mexican-Americans who were incarcerated in American prisons. 
MS 13 (Photo Wikimedia) The MS 13, also sometimes seen just as MS or 13, is a symbol of the Mara Salvatrucha gang from El Salvador. Typically these tattoos can be found anywhere on the body, but are most often found in highly visible places like the face, hands or neck. LA Mara Salvatrucha was started in the Los Angeles area by El Salvadoran immigrants. There are now MS-13 chapters all over the U. 
Playing cards (Photo Tattos Time) Playing cards, or suits of the deck in general, usually indicate an inmate who likes to gamble. This applies to gambling games both within prison and without; it can also represent a person who generally views life as a gamble. This tattoo is very popular in Russian prisons, where each deck has its own meaning. A spade represents a thief; clubs symbolize criminals in general.
La Eme is a Sureño gang, belonging to a large affiliation of Hispanic gangs in Southern California. and even in Canada. Their industries range from dealing drugs to child prostitution. Diamonds are reserved for stoolpigeons and informants – if the cards have this deck, then it was likely applied with force.
Hearts imply that someone is looking for a romantic partner in the prison, which may also be forcibly applied. 
EWMN (Photo Turner) These letters stand for ‘Evil, Wicked, Mean, Nasty. ‘ Having no particular affiliation with any gang, they simply represent the general disposition of some prison inmates. Typically found on the knuckles, these types of tattoos were popularized in 1955 by Robert Mitchum in ‘The Night of the Hunter. ‘ His sociopathic preacher character had the words ‘love’ and ‘hate’ tattooed on the knuckles of each hand, which has brought about other variants such as ‘Rock/Roll’ and ‘Stay/Down. ‘ 
Cross on the chest (Photo Adimaz) Particularly found in Russian prisons, chest tattoos symbolize a ‘Prince of Thieves. ‘ This is the highest rank a Russian convict can achieve, and are generally worn by higher-ups in the mob. Russian prisons have a unique and intricate history of prison tattoos, each with their own unique meaning. Another example are bells, symbolizing freedom, or a tiger on the chest is symbolic of aggression toward the police. 
A. (Photo SAS) This acronym is commonly found on the bodies of British prisoners and stands for “All Cops Are Bastards. ” Some claim that A. also stands for “Always Carry A Bible,” but these are widely believed to be people who regret their tattoo decision.
What does a teardrop tattoo on the left side mean?
Teardrop – 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. If someone’s initials have been placed in the tear, it could be the name of that person who died. 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. In some prisons, the meaning of teardrop tattoos differs depending on which side it is on. A teardrop tattoo on the left eye means that the person murdered someone in jail, and a teardrop tattoo on the right eye means the person lost a family or gang member to murder. In recent years, it’s become an extremely popular tattoo for rappers and celebrities in an effort to play up their “gangster” image.
- Another, less popular symbolism for this prison tattoo is solidarity or support;
- An example could be the late Amy Winehouse’s ink, which the singer got soon after her husband Blake Fielder-Civil was sent to jail for perverting the course of justice;
The most recognizable name being Lil’ Wayne. Why does the rapper have four teardrop tattoos? The tatts reportedly symbolize the four loved ones he’s lost. Tear tattoos aren’t just done under the eyes. You can also find them on fingers. What is the meaning of a teardrop tattoo on a finger? It could mean dealing with a personal struggle.
Why does Lil Wayne have a teardrop tattoo?
Rapper Lil Wayne with teardrop tattoos below his eyes 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.
[4] [5] [6] [7] The tattoo is sometimes worn by the female companions of prisoners in solidarity with their loved ones. [8] Amy Winehouse had a teardrop drawn on her face in eyeliner after her husband Blake entered the Pentonville prison hospital following a suspected drug overdose.
[9] It can acknowledge the loss of a friend or family member: North American rappers The Game and Lil Wayne have teardrop tattoos signifying the death of friends [10] and basketball player Amar’e Stoudemire has had a teardrop tattoo since 2012 honoring his older brother Hazell Jr.
- , who died in a car accident;
- [11] In West Coast gang culture (USA), the tattoo may signify that the wearer has killed someone [12] [13] and in some of those circles, the tattoo’s meaning can change: an empty outline meaning either the wearer attempted murder or that a fellow gang member or friend died and when filled in, the wearer sought revenge;
[14] [15] Sometimes the exact meaning of the tattoo is known only by the wearer: [13] [16] Portuguese footballer Ricardo Quaresma has never explained his teardrop tattoos. [17].
What is the tattoo for depression?
Heart with Semicolon This is a simple but elegant tattoo that makes a statement about depression and would serve as a reminder to love yourself and keep going. Other options might be to have a small heart beside a semicolon or to make the dotted part of the semicolon a heart itself.
What does 3 teardrops mean?
The Prison Life Symbolism – As mentioned earlier, for the last 40 to 50 years, the trend with teardrop tattoos has often been associated with the meanings related to the criminal record, street fights and murders, and the life inside the prison. However, the different rules for the teardrop tattoo apply from prison to prison.
In most cases, getting the teardrop tattoo when being in prison is associated with the struggle, pain, and oftentimes loneliness when it comes to being in prison, the yearning for freedom, family, friends, and loved ones.
As mentioned above, violent inmates force their less dominant inmates to get a tattoo of the teardrop and oftentimes do it themselves to instill fear and show dominance. Also, the symbolism of life in prison is determined by the color of a teardrop, whether it’s just outlined or filled in with the solid layer of the link or boasts some other color.
Some teardrops are red, but on most occasions, they are blue or green, so that they are closely resembling the actual tear. Some symbolism proposes that the outlined teardrop symbolizes that the prisoner was charged with attempted murder, for harming someone badly, or nearly executing the murder act.
If the teardrop is filled in, that means that the imprisoned person was charged with a degree of murder and is likely sentenced to life in prison. However, these vary from facility to facility and can be taken with the grain of salt before believed in fully.
Also, whether a person should ink the teardrop tattoo on their left or right part of the place rises a lot of confusion. However, that also depends on which facility the person is at, and whether there are some strict culture and policy between the inmates.
So, the teardrops located on the left side of the eye indicate that the person has conducted a murder of someone. Each teardrop represents one murder, which could make other inmates scared of violent and dominant inmates if they have some of those. However, this rule doesn’t apply everywhere.
Some people may just have the teardrops on the left side due to sadness, sorrow, or pain related to being in prison. On the other hand, inmates with teardrop tattoos on the right side of their eye aren’t necessarily associated with them murdering someone.
In some prisons, inmates get teardrops on the right side of the face to mark remembrance of a friend or a family member that has passed away. Certain gang members also ink a teardrop on the right side of their eye as a sign of honor for another gang member who was murdered or had passed away.
In some gangs it could even hint at revenge for the lost gang member. Then again, that doesn’t always hold, and a person that has the tattoo under their right eye isn’t always associated with missing the deceased one or murdered.
Now that we highlighted the key meaning of the teardrop tattoo, let’s take a look at other symbolism of the tattoos, that may be associated with the prison and criminal life, but isn’t limited to it. Instagram: @charlottebergmantattoo.
What tattoo means losing someone?
A tree memorial tattoo Show how you’ve endured losing someone you’ve loved so much by getting a tree tat. In the trunk of the tree, you can ‘carve’ your loved one’s name and even birth or death dates.
What do 3 dots tattoo mean?
The Bottom Line – Ultimately, the real meaning of the three dots tattoo is up to you. It’s your interpretation that counts. It doesn’t matter if everyone else gets the same tattoo, but the location, placement, and the story behind it is what matters. If you want a creative and long-lasting tattoo, we are happy to help you.
What does a cross tattoo under the right eye mean?
Cross Under Eye Tattoo – Crosses have long been part of the ritual of tattooing. The meaning behind cross tattoos varies depending on the time period and culture in which they are worn. Historically this symbol has long been used by Middle Eastern Coptic Christians as a sign of defiance and reverence in their predominantly Muslim society.
In the Western world, the meaning behind cross tattoos can be interpreted as signifying everything from gang affiliation to devotion to religious beliefs. Featured above are some modern takes on this ancient symbol.
Sporting a cross beneath his eye, tattoo artist and influencer Luke Wessman makes the symbol look classy and understated. Many celebrities are also donning cross tattoos around the eye and face like 21 Savage, Lil’ Wayne and Justin Bieber. .
What does a heart tattoo under the eye mean?
What Does A Heart Tattoo On The Face Mean? – A heart tattoo on face is usually made as a broken heart. Many people get this tattoo when they lose a loved one or an important relationship in their life ends. The broken heart represents the loss and pain that comes with these things and is usually meant to symbolize a tear under the eye. 
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Who has tear drop tattoo?
Rap icon Lil Wayne is known for his raspy voice and clever wordplay , but many also talk about the rapper’s many tattoos, notably on his face. Over the years, Lil Wayne’s face has become more and more covered with tattoos, but still clearly visible under his right eye are two teardrop tattoos. Teardrop tattoos are about as thug as they get. Commonly seen in prison and gang culture, they are generally perceived to represent the number of people whom you have killed, but it can also mean that you have been prison raped, or less commonly that you’ve served time. Lil Wayne in 2009. Photo by Ray Tamarra. Lil Wayne has apparently been asked about the meaning of his teardrop tattoos, to which he responds that they are to represent family members who have died. However, it was at his mother’s request that he covered up the teardrop under his left eye, and as Wayne claimed she said it was because he had too many of them.
At one point, Lil Wayne also had a teardrop tattoo under his left eye. That tattoo has since been covered up by a tribal tattoo coming from his forehead. He has yet another teardrop (you may not count this one) on the lower left side of his mouth, making for a grand total of four teardrop tattoos.
He didn’t elaborate much from there, though some question why his mother wanted him to remove that specific teardrop, and if she was connected to any dark deeds that Wayne may have done to represent the tattoo. There is naturally some speculation that Lil Wayne’s teardrop tattoos may actually represent murders, rather than dead family members like he says, as many of his songs have included references to gun violence and the Bloods.
- Lil Wayne was also involved with Birdman’s Cash Money records in the early days, since 1996 which was before he got his face tattoos;
- Birdman is a known gangster, with ties to the Bloods, of which Lil Wayne and Young Thug are also reportedly members;
What I’m saying is it wouldn’t be such a stretch to think that Lil Wayne may have been involved in some shady business when he first entered the hip-hop scene. Especially considering Lil Wayne was just 14 years old in 1996, a member of the Hot Boys , the speculation about the real meaning of those tattoos is warranted.
Of course, if Lil Wayne truly did kill somebody, he would never admit that on camera, so the speculation will live on. Watch a 2011 interview with Lil Wayne at the top of his game below, where he discusses his tattoos, sipping lean, and all-around keeping it real.
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What are trauma tattoos?
A traumatic tattoo is when foreign bodies become forcibly embedded in the dermis and create a permanent tattoo. Such particles may include fireworks, sand, metal, glass, gunpowder, asphalt, dust, petroleum products, and graphite from pencil point injuries.
What is the tattoo for mental health?
Semicolon – A semicolon tattoo through the lens of mental health is a symbol of solidarity between those of us who live and struggle with a mental illness or who have lost someone to suicide. “Semicolons are a very traditional, very popular mental health tattoo and they represent that it’s not the end,” explains Roman.
What is the symbol for mental strength?
6 Mental Health Symbols & Meanings – If you’re looking for meaningful mental health tattoos, there are so many options to choose from. Some people choose a word, mantra, or quote that resonates with them and their particular struggles, while others prefer to choose a symbol that represents a specific condition, or that serves as a reminder to stay strong.
- There are so many mental health symbols you can choose from, and we’ve shared some common ones below;
- SEROTONIN Serotonin (aka the ‘happy chemical’) is a naturally occurring chemical that’s responsible for regulating mood, digestion, sleep, and more;
Low levels of serotonin can cause mood instability, depression, and anxiety, and many people who suffer from one or more of these conditions opt to get a serotonin tattoo as a reminder that their struggles are not their fault, but rather a chemical imbalance in their brain.
- SEMICOLON Semicolon tattoos were inspired by Project Semicolon – a nonprofit organization dedicated to suicide prevention;
- A semicolon is used by writers when they choose not to end a sentence, and a semicolon tattoo is used to remind someone that their story isn’t over;
Over time, the semicolon has been used to represent mental health awareness, including anxiety. GREEN RIBBON The green ribbon is the international symbol for mental health. LOTUS FLOWER In Eastern religions, the lotus flower is a symbol of enlightenment and rebirth.
- Lotus flowers grow in deep mud, so many people choose it as a tattoo design to symbolize how they’ve risen from hardship, and as a reminder that they can overcome anything;
- BUTTERFLY Butterfly tattoos are often used to symbolize beauty and transformation;
The metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly is gruesome, much like the transformation that occurs when going through something challenging in your life. The butterfly tattoo is sometimes used as a reminder that while change is messy, it makes us stronger and more beautiful.
What does teardrop on right eye mean?
The Prison Life Symbolism – As mentioned earlier, for the last 40 to 50 years, the trend with teardrop tattoos has often been associated with the meanings related to the criminal record, street fights and murders, and the life inside the prison. However, the different rules for the teardrop tattoo apply from prison to prison.
- In most cases, getting the teardrop tattoo when being in prison is associated with the struggle, pain, and oftentimes loneliness when it comes to being in prison, the yearning for freedom, family, friends, and loved ones;
As mentioned above, violent inmates force their less dominant inmates to get a tattoo of the teardrop and oftentimes do it themselves to instill fear and show dominance. Also, the symbolism of life in prison is determined by the color of a teardrop, whether it’s just outlined or filled in with the solid layer of the link or boasts some other color.
Some teardrops are red, but on most occasions, they are blue or green, so that they are closely resembling the actual tear. Some symbolism proposes that the outlined teardrop symbolizes that the prisoner was charged with attempted murder, for harming someone badly, or nearly executing the murder act.
If the teardrop is filled in, that means that the imprisoned person was charged with a degree of murder and is likely sentenced to life in prison. However, these vary from facility to facility and can be taken with the grain of salt before believed in fully.
- Also, whether a person should ink the teardrop tattoo on their left or right part of the place rises a lot of confusion;
- However, that also depends on which facility the person is at, and whether there are some strict culture and policy between the inmates;
So, the teardrops located on the left side of the eye indicate that the person has conducted a murder of someone. Each teardrop represents one murder, which could make other inmates scared of violent and dominant inmates if they have some of those. However, this rule doesn’t apply everywhere.
Some people may just have the teardrops on the left side due to sadness, sorrow, or pain related to being in prison. On the other hand, inmates with teardrop tattoos on the right side of their eye aren’t necessarily associated with them murdering someone.
In some prisons, inmates get teardrops on the right side of the face to mark remembrance of a friend or a family member that has passed away. Certain gang members also ink a teardrop on the right side of their eye as a sign of honor for another gang member who was murdered or had passed away.
- In some gangs it could even hint at revenge for the lost gang member;
- Then again, that doesn’t always hold, and a person that has the tattoo under their right eye isn’t always associated with missing the deceased one or murdered;
Now that we highlighted the key meaning of the teardrop tattoo, let’s take a look at other symbolism of the tattoos, that may be associated with the prison and criminal life, but isn’t limited to it. Instagram: @charlottebergmantattoo.
What does a cross tattoo under the eye mean?
Cross Under Eye Tattoo – Crosses have long been part of the ritual of tattooing. The meaning behind cross tattoos varies depending on the time period and culture in which they are worn. Historically this symbol has long been used by Middle Eastern Coptic Christians as a sign of defiance and reverence in their predominantly Muslim society.
- In the Western world, the meaning behind cross tattoos can be interpreted as signifying everything from gang affiliation to devotion to religious beliefs;
- Featured above are some modern takes on this ancient symbol;
Sporting a cross beneath his eye, tattoo artist and influencer Luke Wessman makes the symbol look classy and understated. Many celebrities are also donning cross tattoos around the eye and face like 21 Savage, Lil’ Wayne and Justin Bieber. .
What does an eye tattoo mean?
The eye of god – The most commonly understood meaning of the all-seeing eye tattoo is that it represents the omnipresent eye of god watching over humankind. Another popular interpretation is that it symbolizes benevolent guidance from a divine source, since the word “providence” means “guidance”.
The light source shown behind the all-seeing eye is traditionally believed to denote ” illumination “, or wisdom. In various spiritual and religious beliefs the all-seeing eye is believed to represent the awakening of the spirit, or the opening of the third eye.
A common rendition of the all-seeing eye design is the crying all-seeing eye tattoo. Although this tattoo shares much of the same symbolism as the original design it is believed to be worn as a sign of gods sorrow for humanity. This design can be used to represent a number of various personal beliefs, particularly surrounding empathy for human suffering, or a state of sadness in regards to the state of humankind.
The traditional depiction of the all-seeing eye has held importance in almost every major world religion, being utilized as a symbol of inner wisdom, spiritual progression and looking within oneself for answers.
In the early days of Christianity the symbol was used to represent the holy trinity via the three points of the triangle. In Buddhist religions the all-seeing eye is viewed as “the eye of the world”, while in Hindu belief systems it is said to be the “third eye” of Shiva.
What celebrity has a teardrop tattoo?
Lil Wayne himself has multiple teardrop tattoos on his face. She told MTV: ‘I got a tear drop because this was right before Lil Wayne was going to jail.
