Tattooed tearfaces may connote prison or criminal lifestyles; however, this isn’t always the case. Gang members often receive tattoos as a symbol of repentance and motivation to adopt a healthier lifestyle, typically only receiving one teardrop tattoo. Some gang members also have tattooed teardrops on their faces to show respect for a fallen member; these usually only exist in outline versions and not solid colors.
Symbolism
Tattooed tear-face designs may be associated with prison and criminal culture, but that doesn’t have to mean murder or any other illegal act; tear-face Tattoos could simply represent regret over past mistakes and a desire for change. Tattoos that represent regret often represent loss and can signify revenge for murder victims, with an empty tear top meaning that someone was murdered. At the same time, a solid bottom indicates the killer has taken vengeance for a death. Many people who opt for tear Tattoos don’t necessarily intend to show regret; instead, they may want to express their sadness or show solidarity with a family member behind bars. Amy Winehouse (deceased) and Lil Wayne (rapper) are famous examples of this.
Origins
Teardrop Tattoos beneath the eyes have long been associated with gang and prison culture. Most commonly worn to commemorate a friend who has died within their ranks; to gang members, this loss is considered deeply tragic. But this symbolism isn’t limited to prison culture alone – many celebrities, such as Johnny Depp, have shown off this tattoo on screen. Amy Winehouse (deceased) and Lil Wayne got this tattoo to express their grief or loss. Tattoos were first worn by jail inmates to demonstrate their solidarity with spouses or significant others behind bars or to show solidarity when visiting them in prison. Furthermore, the number of teardrops displayed on someone’s face represents how many people they killed in prison – while some people also use this form of body art just to intimidate other inmates or mark themselves as sissies.
Meanings
Tattooing a teardrop under one’s right eye is often a telltale sign that someone has spent some time behind bars. This ink may also represent membership in particular gangs such as Crips: members would get this done to show solidarity among members. Tattooed on their left eyelid, teardrop Tattoos can signify that someone has killed another and show solidarity for fellow prisoners killed by prison staff. Wearing “777” can mean prolonged time spent behind bars, usually done by women whose husbands or boyfriends are locked up as an expression of support for them. While some may view a tattoo with negative connotations, its use for noncriminal purposes has become increasingly widespread. It’s important to remember that everyone has a story and never judge someone solely based on appearance.
Styles
There are various styles of tear face tattoos. They may be inked with a black outline with white highlights or colored with other hues for greater depth, usually chosen based on a person’s preferences or personality – pink is often chosen to feminize the symbol. At the same time, patterns or longer tears may also be added for extra expression or rebellion against physical or sexual abuse. Although initially associated with prison culture and gang life, now people from all walks of life wear this tattoo – it even serves as a tribute to loved ones who have died – while many women or men with friends or lovers inside prison wear it to show solidarity and show support and solidarity!
