What do prison tattoos represent?

Many prisoners do so in order to affirm and convey gang membership, indicate their rank in that gang, or to display their ability to endure pain, while others choose designs that symbolize their time inside or use the tattoo as a sign or code to display their crimes on their skin for all to see.

What tattoos mean you killed someone?

The meaning of teardrop tattoos can vary depending on the geography, but they all have the same premise: it symbolizes murder. 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.

What does a tattoo of lips mean in prison?

The website knowgangs.com says the lips tattoo can mean either the kiss of death, or a long incarceration: “The majority of Hispanic Gang members claimed the “Red Lips” were symbolizing their girlfriend’s/Wife’s last kiss before the Gang member goes away (is incarcerated).

What kind of ink do prison tattoos use?

To get color, some inmates use liquid India ink that family members buy from arts and crafts stores. An example of the kind of rudimentary tattoo rig used by prisoners, assembled with tape, a pen, a lighter, scissors, a battery, a motor, a guitar string and paper clips.

How do you spot a prison tattoo?

A tattoo with five dots is a common tattoo that indicates you are serving or have served time. The four outer dots represent the four walls of the prison, while the middle dot represents the prisoner themselves.

What does 3 teardrop tattoos mean?

The teardrop has been popularized recently by rappers and other celebrities, but still remains a staple in prisons. The three dots tattoo is a common prison tattoo that represents “mi vida loca,” or “my crazy life.” It’s not associated with any particular gang, but with the gang lifestyle itself.

What does a single dot tattoo on hand mean?

One dot tattoo has the same meaning on how you use the dot (period ) in a sentence. It means the end of something like how you end a sentence. In the tattoo, it may be the end of a relationship or something it is something that ended in your personal life experience.

What does an upside down umbrella mean?

The symbol itself can represent travel, wealth or magic. I think the most commonly known meaning would be victory over and protection from life’s negativities. Being a victor or winner.

What does 3 dots tattoo mean?

The three dots tattoo is a common prison tattoo that represents “mi vida loca,” or “my crazy life.” It’s not associated with any particular gang, but with the gang lifestyle itself. The three dot tattoo is often created using a stick-and-poke method, requiring very rudimentary tools.

What does a scorpion tattoo mean in prison?

If the claws are open, the scorpion tattoo represents a Special Forces member who has seen combat. A scorpion might also indicate that the wearer has spent time in prison (done time in the box). The scorpion may also be a symbol of drug addiction. If the stinger is up, it means that the wearer is still using drugs.

What do different tattoos mean in prison?

In some prisons, a teardrop tattoo can simply imply that a person has lost a loved one, while in other prisons, it can be interpreted as a symbol of long-standing revenge. Additionally, a teardrop tattoo can also depict a murder conviction, a lengthy sentence, or a personal loss. 3. Prison Gun Tattoos

What is the meaning of the 18th anniversary tattoo?

It symbolizes the wearer spending their 18th anniversary in prison. Typically, many people correctly associate shamrock with Ireland. Unfortunately, many white supremacists have opted to use shamrock as a symbol of membership in a gang. Similarly to the five dots tattoo, a spider web indicates prison time served.

What does a spider web tattoo mean in jail?

Spider Web Similarly to the five dots tattoo, a spider web indicates prison time served. The longer and larger the web, the more time spent jailed.

Are tattoos a sign of danger?

However, not every tattoo meaning is heartwarming. Some of them are red flags, warnings to others that the person flaunting this ink is a danger, typically because of prison time or gang involvement. Here are some of the most popular “warning sign” tattoos, what they mean, and why you might want to stay away.