The “MS13” or “MS” or “13” tattoos are representative of the Mara Salvatrucha gang, a notorious and extremely violent gang originating from Los Angeles by way of El Salvador. The three-dot tattoo is usually found around the eyes, or on the hands near the base of the thumb, and unlike other jailhouse tattoos, the three-dot tattoo is most often created using the stick-and-poke method with makeshift tools. Outside of showing one’s love for the outlaw life, the three-dot tattoo could also be a subtle religious tattoo, one that symbolizes the Holy Trinity. Despite popular belief, it’s not actually the symbol of any one particular gang it’s a representation of the gang “lifestyle” itself. Simple, subtle, but fairly poignant, the three-dot tattoo is a pretty common jailhouse tattoo that means “mi vida loca,” or my crazy life. However, be warned: veteran inmates are often very aggressive towards new inmates with teardrop tattoos, especially when they find out that it’s an aesthetic choice rather than as a symbol of a crime they’ve already committed. Because tears symbolize sadness, that struggle could be a tragic incident or a traumatic event.

What is the meaning of a teardrop tattoo on a finger? It could mean dealing with a personal struggle. Tear tattoos aren’t just done under the eyes. Why does the rapper have four teardrop tattoos? The tatts reportedly symbolize the four loved ones he’s lost. The most recognizable name being Lil’ Wayne. In recent years, it’s become an extremely popular tattoo for rappers and celebrities in an effort to play up their “gangster” image. A teardrop tattoo on the left eye means that the person murdered someone in jail, and a teardrop tattoo on the right eye means the person lost a family or gang member to murder.

In some prisons, the meaning of teardrop tattoos differs depending on which side it is on. Another, less popular symbolism for this prison tattoo is solidarity or support.Īn example could be the late Amy Winehouse’s ink, which the singer got soon after her husband Blake Fielder-Civil was sent to jail for perverting the course of justice. Other sources also indicate that a tear tattoo could mean remorse one teardrop under the eye serves as a reminder to the person of a mistake. If someone’s initials have been placed in the tear, it could be the name of that person who died. A teardrop outline represents attempted murder, but it could also mean that the person has a friend who was murdered and that they are now currently seeking vengeance.Ī filled in teardrop means a death has been avenged. The meaning of teardrop tattoos can vary depending on the geography, but they all have the same premise: it symbolizes murder.Ī teardrop tattoo on the face means that the person has committed murder. What does a teardrop tattoo mean? Easily one of the most popular prison tattoos in popular culture, the teardrop tattoo actually has a less innocent meaning behind it.

Spade tattoo on finger meaning