The teardrop tattoo or tear tattoo is a symbolic
tattoo
A tattoo is a form of body modification made by inserting tattoo ink, dyes, or pigments, either indelible or temporary, into the dermis layer of the skin to form a design. Tattoo artists create these designs using several tattooing processes ...
of a
tear that is placed underneath the
eye
An eye is a sensory organ that allows an organism to perceive visual information. It detects light and converts it into electro-chemical impulses in neurons (neurones). It is part of an organism's visual system.
In higher organisms, the ey ...
. The teardrop is one of the most widely recognised
prison tattoos and has various meanings.
It can signify that the wearer has spent time in prison,
or more specifically that the wearer was
raped while incarcerated and tattooed by the rapist as a "property" mark and for humiliation, since facial tattoos cannot be concealed.
The tattoo is sometimes worn by the female companions of prisoners in solidarity with their loved ones.
Amy Winehouse
Amy Jade Winehouse (14 September 1983 – 23 July 2011) was an English singer, songwriter, musician, and businesswoman. With over 30 million records sold worldwide, she was known for her deep, expressive contralto vocals and her eclectic mix ...
had a teardrop drawn on her face in eyeliner after her husband Blake entered the Pentonville prison hospital following a suspected drug overdose.
It can acknowledge the loss of a friend or family member: Basketball player
Amar'e Stoudemire has had a teardrop tattoo since 2012 honouring his older brother Hazell Jr., who died in a car accident.
In West Coast United States
gang culture, the tattoo may signify that the wearer has killed someone
and in some of those circles, the tattoo's meaning can change: an empty outline meaning the wearer
attempted murder
Attempted murder is a crime of attempt in various jurisdictions.
Canada
Section 239 of the ''Criminal Code'' makes attempted murder punishable by a maximum of life imprisonment. If a gun is used, the minimum sentence is four, five or seve ...
.
Sometimes the exact meaning of the tattoo is known only by the wearer
as in the case of Portuguese footballer
Ricardo Quaresma, who has never explained his teardrop tattoos.
See also
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Criminal tattoo
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Prison rape
Prison rape or jail rape is sexual assault of people while they are incarcerated. The phrase is commonly used to describe rape of inmates by other inmates. It is a significant, if controversial, part of what is studied under the wider concept ...
*
Prison tattooing
References
{{Tattoo
Symbols
Tattoo designs
Prison culture
Prison rape