Teardrop tattoos have long been associated with gangsta culture. Yet, their meaning can also vary based on who wears them and can have personal significance to the individual wearing them them. No matter the motivation for getting a teardrop tattoo – whether to show strength or support for a loved one in prison – be wary of their interpretation, as this could haunt you later in life.
The Meaning
A teardrop symbolizes sadness and pain; it may even stand for a loved one who has passed on. tattoos such as Lil Wayne have chosen this form to express their emotions of sadness and loss. Tears may arise following the death of an associate in their gang or someone within their immediate family. These tears also represent how many lives the gang member has taken or their time in prison. Teardrop tattoos may also be distinguished by the number of tears filled in their teardrop. For example, five filled teardrops represent five victims killed.
The Placement
tattoos often serve as a symbolic representation of death or mourning for gang culture members who have lost friends. Most commonly placed underneath an eyelid, teardrop tattoos may also be placed elsewhere on the body, such as the cheek or sleeve. The position is crucial when it comes to tattoo placement; an easily visible ink mark often means criminal activity or the loss of a friend and can make finding employment and housing more challenging for women with teardrop tattoos. Witnesses to crimes could quickly identify individuals by their facial tattoos, leading to many complications in a prison or correctional facility. Teardrops under one’s left eye often symbolize murder, while teardrops under both eyes may signify loss, sorrow, or personal pain for an individual.
The Look
One of the most recognizable gangster tattoos is the teardrop. Rappers and celebrities have long utilized this simple but effective design as an accessible and visible statement piece. A teardrop tattoo is an increasingly popular design choice commonly worn under the eye. While its meanings may vary depending on its placement and location, often, this symbolism signifies a criminal history or gang affiliation. tattoos that represent death can often be seen on prisoners who have committed murder; this kind of ink can also tell that of loved ones lost to suicide. Some may opt to get this tattoo to cope with grief or sadness; others may choose it to show their bravado. Tattoos like these send a clear message: violence isn’t tolerated in society, and gang members who sport them send an uninviting signal about what life will be like for everyone involved – even those not associated with one themselves.
The Symbolism
Teardrop tattoos may be associated with criminality and gang activity; however, they can also hold more profound significance for some individuals. A teardrop can symbolize death or personal struggle for some. A teardrop symbol has long been associated with gangsters in the US. These teardrops may appear either on one’s hand or underneath either eye. Placing it under one represents death or killing, while placing it under both symbolizes losing someone close, such as an ex-gang member or family member. Many gangs also tattoo a number underneath the teardrop that indicates murder or jail time; for instance, three murders or three years spent behind bars might be signified by three tears under each eye.
