Prison tattoos have become crucial for inmates to communicate, providing a silent language that speaks volumes. But what does that silent language signify?
Mi Vida Loca
Example: Latino inmates who belong to the People Nation gang may understand three dots as symbolizing “mi vida loca” or my crazy life, while five dots, on one hand, might signify quincunx.
Mi Vida Loca Tattoos have long been associated with prison and gang lifestyles. This tattoo symbolizes living a violent, criminal existence with pride; it is often worn on hands or around the eyes and may carry religious connotations, representing Christianity’s holy trinity.
Tear Drops
Tattoos that symbolize prison can often include teardrops. One of the more renowned prison tattoos, this shape has many symbolic meanings, such as mourning a loved one, taking revenge, or marking time served.
Five Dots
Tattoos depicting five dots represent time served in prison. Additionally, it serves as a symbol for the Norteos gang based out of Northern California who battle against Sureos from Southern California.
Crown
Latin Kings have an immense presence both inside and outside prison walls, and their crown tattoos can hold hidden messages depending on other details such as color or jewels in points.
Spider Web
A spider web tattoo symbolizes crime and prison time; it may also indicate membership in a criminal gang. These Tattoos can often be found on the elbow.
Tattoos and Gangs
Bikers and criminal groups commonly wear this symbol on their elbows to depict how minorities are trapped in an endless cycle of crime and punishment, but it also represents white supremacy.
Expressing Anger and Vengeance
Tattoos are often chosen by newcomers to prison life as an expressive means to show their anger or express vengeance for losing one of their friends to death or serving an extended prison sentence.
Thieves Stars
Tattoos depicting diamond suits are frequently worn by inmates who cooperate with authorities – known as selling out. These prisoners are considered the lowest form of criminals and are usually forcibly tattooed with these designs.
Square Designs and Gambling
Tattoos containing square designs symbolize gambling and can mean various things; for instance, clubs symbolize general criminals, while spades indicate thieves.
Criminal Affiliation and Code
Inmates use prison tattoos to display their affiliation or code and indicate their sentence length.
Twin Lightning Bolts
Twin lightning bolt tattoos are an increasingly popular prison tattoo trend. They symbolize power and strength while also representing protection.
Lightning Bolts
Lightning bolts represent strength and power as well as intelligence and truthfulness. Native American tribes saw thunderbirds as symbols of morality; anyone wearing this emblem was expected to uphold moral principles.
Hate Symbols in Prison
Lightning bolts (and even double or ‘SS’ bolts) become far more dangerous when used within jails; they become associated with something much darker. These signs of hate in prison are seen as hate symbols and can have serious repercussions.
