Teardrop Tattoo Meaning: What Does It Mean?

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Facial tattoos aren’t for everyone.

First off, the face is literally one of the most painful locations to get tattooed. And face tattoos are also often associated with having been in prison or with having some form of affiliation to a gang.

So overall, they’re tattoos that set you apart from the rest of society.

Which is why we do not recommend getting any type of facial tattoo unless you’re already heavily covered.

Still, one of the most common facial tattoos is the teardrop tattoo.

Which might just leave you wondering, what are some common teardrop tattoo meanings?

Well, lucky for you, below, we’re exploring the different meanings and the origins of a teardrop tattoo!

Let’s go!

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5 Common Meanings Of A Teardrop Tattoo

Just because a person has a teardrop tattoo, that doesn’t mean they’re in a gang or that they’ve been to prison.

But there’s no denying the fact that teardrop tattoos do have deep ties linking them to prison life, gang culture, and violence.

Let’s take a look at just some of the different things a teardrop tattoo represents.

• Committed murder – One of the most common meanings of a tear drop tattoo is that the wearer has committed murder or has attempted murder inside prison. This is often seen in inmate populations, where tattoos are often done with the stick and poke method.
• Gang lifestyle – Teardrop tattoos can also represent links or ties to a particular gang, such as the Aryan Brotherhood. This is particularly true for people who have been incarcerated. But you will often see gang members with teardrop tattoos outside of prison as well.
• Prison life – Sometimes, the tear tattoo isn’t just about showing off gang ties or proof that you’ve killed someone. In many cases, it’s used as a sign that the wearer has served a lengthy prison sentence or has been involved in prison life in one way or another.
• Revenge – An outline of a teardrop not filled in can be a sign that the individual is seeking revenge. This is typically found in jails when an inmate’s friend has been murdered and now they want vengeance. The idea is that once the murder has been avenged, the wearer will have the outline filled in.
• Personal grief – Lil Wayne, Amy Winehouse, and other celebrities are just a few who’ve been spotted with teardrop tattoos. Teardrop tattoos can be used to represent loss, personal distress or grief.
• Violence – A tear tattoo might also be used to show that an individual is capable of or has committed any number of violent acts, such as rape, assault, domestic violence, arson, etc.

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Tear Tattoos And Religion

Most of the time, the tear tattoo is associated with gang life, prison, and violence. But what does the Bible say about tattoos? Well, we have actually heard some mentions of the teardrop tattoo being associated with religion.

According to some Christian traditions, the tear drop is a symbol that represents Christianity’s holy trinity. The tear is a symbol linked to water, and water is often seen as something pure and divine, ideal for representing the Holy Spirit.

We should note, however, that because of their affiliation with gang life, prison and violence, it could be dangerous to get a teardrop tattoo. Others may see this as a sign that you’re involved in a gang or they you have been to prison, which may not be something you want to project.

So if you’re thinking about getting a tattoo with any sort of religious significance to it, it’s probably best to avoid getting a teardrop tattoo.

Teardrop Tattoos And Tattoo Removal

Due to their popularity in prison and gang life, it’s not uncommon for people with tear tattoos to end up regretting it after completing their sentence or leaving a gang.

But as we all know, tattoos are permanent skin markings, which aren’t removed as easily as some might like.

Fortunately, laser tattoo removal can removed unwanted prison tattoos or other unwanted tattoos affiliated with gang lifestyle. This is extremely beneficial for anyone who’s lived through that hard life and is now looking to move on, leaving that part of their life behind.

Tattoo removal is not cheap, it’s not painless, and it’s not an easy process to go through.

But it’s good to know that if you have a tear drop tattoo, or any other type of gang-affiliation tattoos and you want to leave that part of your life being, you can!

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Teardrop Tattoos – Frequently Asked Questions

Below, we take a look at a few of the most frequently asked questions we’ve heard relating to tear drop tattoos and their meaning.

What is the hollow outline meaning of a teardrop tattoo?

When you see someone with just an outline of a teardrop tattoo, it might mean they’re in the process of seeking revenge for the murder of someone they know. The idea is that once vengeance has been served, the wearer will have the tattoo filled in.

Does a teardrop tattoo meaning change depending on placement?

No, we cannot find any difference in meaning for a teardrop tattoo placed under the left eye or the right eye. Some individuals may place some type of meaning to its placement. But overall, the unique meaning doesn’t seem to change depending on location.

Is a teardrop tattoo a neo-Nazi symbol?

No, not necessarily. But it is a tattoo often used by members of the Aryan Brotherhood to show other fellow gang members that they’ve committed murders inside. More common Nazi or neo-Nazi tattoos include swastikas, 88 (which represents heil Hitler), the number fourteen, words and other rhetoric directly related to the gang.

What are some other tattoos related to prison gangs and violence?

A three dot tattoo, representing mi vida loca (translated as my crazy life), SS bolts, inside lip tattoos, the number 14 or 88, spider webs, and a five point crown are all tattoos that have ties to prison life and gang culture. For instance, the five-point crown indicates affiliations with the street gang the Latin Kings. Whereas a spider web tattoo is often used by inmates to indicate they’ve been caught.

Looking to design something other than a teardrop tattoo? Check out our awesome AI Tattoo Generator to play with all sorts of different tattoo ideas, different styles and designs!