Why teardrop tattoos

In the outside world the meaning behind tattoos can be as varied and eccentric as the person sporting the ink. Behind bars the significance of tattoos is much more clearly defined. However, this is not to say that these rules are set in stone, they are useful in gaining a more thorough understanding of what these designs mean.

In many United States prisons it is understood that the side of the face a teardrop is inked on further defines what the piece means. A teardrop on the left side of the face means that an inmate has killed someone. Many argue that there is a one to one ratio for teardrops and murders, although this may not necessarily always be the case.

Teardrops on the right side of the face are more often associated with a dead family member or friend. Another element of a teardrop that is said to inform the meaning behind the tattoos is whether the design is filled in with solid ink or is simply an outline.

Again, these interpretations can vary from region to region and facility to facility. Many people claim that an outline represents an attempted murder, while a solid shape means the act was carried out to completion. The true origin of this ubiquitous prison tattoo is lost to history, although there are references dating back in the US at least forty years. In the United States Penal System tattoos are illegal, and all materials and supplies associated with the process are considered contraband that can earn a prisoner further disciplinary action.

Because of the inherently limited nature of life behind bars, and the added pressure created by the illicit nature of the process, prisoners often resort to some…creative methods to ink each other while locked up.

It is possible for the meaning of tattoos to change over time. A tattoo design that includes a clear teardrop is typically assumed to mean that a person has only attempted to kill another person. This tattoo can also signify that a loved one has died, either naturally or as a result of violence.

When worn in this manner, a clear teardrop can indicate that the wearer seeks vengeance. Teardrop under left eye meaning:. Many of these prisoners dealt with rape, extortion, and physical abuse. The amount of care and protection available to them in jail simply fell short of what they needed.

Outside of prison, these men told others that they received it for killing a man in prison. The meaning of the tattoo of a teardrop on the left eye remains and continues to grow in popularity among gangs. Right side teardrop meaning:. As time passed, the teardrop under the right eye meaning gradually branched off from the original and perceived meaning of teardrop tattoos. These tears placed on the right side, symbolize a lost gang member or family member.

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. Five dots on other parts of the body can have different meanings, such as an association with the People Nation gang. The clock with no hands Photo Tattoo Me Pink. 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. The Brotherhood makes up 1 percent of the inmate population, but are responsible for 20 percent of murders inside of U. The unofficial dividing line between the two is in Delano, California. La Eme Photo Police Mag. They are one of the largest and most ruthless prison gangs in the U.

La Eme was started not in Mexico, but in Mexican-Americans who were incarcerated in American prisons. MS 13 Photo Wikimedia. 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. There are now MS chapters all over the U. Their industries range from dealing drugs to child prostitution.

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.

The tattoo represents the tears they couldn't cry while being inside. See that guy with the teardrop tattoo , he was raped in prison. Made famous by Johnny Depp's character in the movie Crybaby.

It is a tattoo of a teardrop below one's eye on either side. Originally placed in prison to signify that the bearer was owned by a fellow prisoner.

In prison terms "there bitch.