Meaning of a teardrop tattoo

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

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

Log in to check out faster. FREE U. Prison tattoos are something of a bad stain on the tattoo industry. After all, many of the individuals who decide to take their life on a different path want to rid themselves of these shameful marks on their bodies, but that's a topic for another blog entry. Prison tattoos are the most easily identifiable pieces because of their crude nature and simplicity. Here are some of them and their meaning:. This number carries a load of negativity with it. The numbers 14 or 88 on their own can also be used and tend to sometimes create confusion. Typically, these tattoos can be found anywhere on the body. It's one of the most recognized prison tattoos around. In some places, the tattoo can mean a lengthy prison sentence, while in others it signifies that the wearer has committed murder.

The symbolism of the teardrop tattoo widely varies, however. Retrieved 28 February

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.

Meaning of a teardrop tattoo

The teardrop tattoo, an iconic symbol inked beneath the eye, carries profound significance and symbolism within the world of body art. It has garnered attention and intrigue for its enigmatic nature and diverse interpretations. By exploring the history, cultural context, and personal stories attached to this symbol, we can unravel its multifaceted meaning. Originating from prison culture, the teardrop tattoo has been associated with various connotations.

Rotating plate for dining table

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. Playing cards Photo Tattos Time. Tools Tools. La Eme Photo Police Mag. The confession: interrogation and criminal profiles for police officers. Update Checkout. DOJ report highlights problems with gang activity, unsafe conditions in 3 Miss. Hearts imply that someone is looking for a romantic partner in the prison, which may also be forcibly applied. Cultural Diversity: Gender Differences. A spade represents a thief; clubs symbolize criminals in general. Note This is not meant to be a formal definition of teardrop tattoo like most terms we define on Dictionary. Read Edit View history. Type of tattoo. Another example are bells, symbolizing freedom, or a tiger on the chest is symbolic of aggression toward the police.

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.

The clock face itself can come in a few forms, such as the face of a wall clock or a grandfather clock. Photo SAS. Sports Grid. Examples of teardrop tattoo Has Portugal ace Ricardo Quaresma had his teardrop face tattoo removed? They are one of the largest and most ruthless prison gangs in the U. The symbolism of the teardrop tattoo widely varies, however. Motivating Offender Change program. This tattoo is very popular in Russian prisons, where each deck has its own meaning. 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. 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. The teardrop tattoo , often under the right eye, may also signal sad sentiments more generally. The gang and criminal associations of the teardrop tattoo make it sometimes referenced as an object of fear—perhaps as originally intended. Prison tattoos are the most easily identifiable pieces because of their crude nature and simplicity. Log in to check out faster. Journal of Latin American Studies.