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Why do prisoners get tattoos?
What does a prison tattoo mean?
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What does a cross tattoo mean in prison?
- Teardrop. A teardrop tattoo is probably the most recognizable of all the prison tattoos. It typically means that the person has murdered someone, but sometimes, the outline of a teardrop will indicate attempted murder rather than the real deal.
- Clock With No Hands. Naturally, many prison tattoos that we present on this list have to do with serving a long prison sentence, and the clock with no hands is one of the more common ones.
- Cross On The Chest. A cross tattoo normally doesn’t have any special meaning in prison, but that’s not the case in Russia. Here in America, people jump to Christianity or religious devotion but think again.
- Three Dots. If you see a prisoner with three dots, they probably are involved with a gang, but it can be hard to determine which one. The tattoo stands for “mi vida loca” (my crazy life), and is associated with the gangster lifestyle.
- 1488
- The Cobweb
- Teardrop
- Five-Point Crown
- Three Dots
- Five Dots
- The Clock with No Hands
- Aryan Brotherhood
- Norteño
- La Eme
This number can be found on white supremacist/Nazi inmates. The numbers 14 or 88 on their own can also be used, which sometimes creates confusion. Fourteen represents fourteen words, which are a quote by Nazi leader David Lane: “We must secure the existence of our people and a future for White Children.” The 88 is shorthand for the 8thletter of the...
Cobwebs typically represent a lengthy term in prison. The symbolism is associated with spiders trapping prey; or criminals trapped behind bars. This tattoo is commonly found on the elbow, signifying sitting around so long with your elbows on the table that a spider made a web on your elbow, though it can also be located on the neck. If you see a mu...
One of the most widely recognized prison tattoos, the teardrop’s meaning varies geographically. In some places, the tattoo can mean a lengthy prison sentence, while in others it signifies that the wearer has committed murder. If the teardrop is just an outline, it can symbolize an attempted murder. It can also mean that one of the inmate’s friends ...
This is the symbol of the Latin Kings gang, which is one of the biggest Hispanic gangs in the U.S. based out of Chicago. The crown will often be accompanied by the letters ALKN, which stands for Almighty Latin Kings Nation. The five points are due to the Latin Kings being an affiliate of the People Nation gang, which is represented by the number fi...
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. This tattoo is typically found on the hands or around the eyes. It can also carry some religious significance, such as representing Christianity’s holy trinity. The thr...
These dots differ greatly from the previous tattoo – five dots represent time done in prison. Also known as the quincunx, the four dots on the outside represent four walls, with the fifth on the inside representing the prisoner. This tattoo can be found internationally, among both American and European inmates. The dots are typically found on an in...
This tattoo is, fairly obviously, representative of ‘doing time’ and doing a lot of it. Those serving a longer sentence might get this tattoo done on their wrist, with watch straps and all, much like a real watch. The clock face itself can come in a few forms, such as the face of a wall clock or a grandfather clock. Not all clock tattoos are tied t...
This prison gang has a variety of tattoos to look out for, ranging from ‘AB’ to Nazi symbols like a swastika or SS bolts. The Brotherhood makes up 1 percent of the inmate population, but are responsible for 20 percent of murders inside of U.S. prisons, so identifying these tattoos is extremely beneficial. The tattoos can also be referred to as Alic...
Norteño tattoos represent the Nuestra Familia gang, which is associated with Hispanic gangs in Northern California. Their tattoos include the word Norteño, Nuestra Familia, a sombrero symbol, the letter N or the number 14, symbolizing the 14thletter of the alphabet (yup – the letter N). The Norteños are rivals of the Suerños, Hispanic gangs based o...
‘La Eme,’ or The M, is the symbol of the Mexican Mafia. They are one of the largest and most ruthless prison gangs in the U.S. They’re allied with the Aryan Brotherhood, and have a common enemy in the Nuestra Familia. La Eme was started not in Mexico, but in Mexican-Americans who were incarcerated in American prisons. La Eme is a Sureño gang, belon...
Apr 20, 2024 · As Corrections 1 explains, a cobweb tattoo means that an inmate is a spider that snares its prey. Or, much like the playing card entry in this list, it signifies how the prisoner feels about being in prison, i.e., trapped. Less intuitively, it also might mean that an inmate has a long-term sentence, or is a prison lifer and/or repeat offender.
What Is a Prison Tattoo? Prison tattooing is the practice of “getting inked” while behind bars. Some prisoners do so to affirm and convey gang membership, indicate their rank in that gang, or display their ability to endure pain. Some choose designs that symbolize their time inside.
Prison tattoos often have hidden meanings associated with them, reflecting the bearer’s criminal past, aggression, or even symbols for protection and good luck. Understanding these symbols can provide an insight into the world of inmates and their experiences.
- What are some common meanings behind prison tattoos?Prison tattoos often hold significant meanings related to the wearer's experiences or affiliations. The teardrop tattoo, for instance, indicates th...
- What's the significance of the number 13 in prison tattoos?In the context of prison tattoos, the number 13 typically represents the Sureños gang, which is affiliated with the 13th letter of the alphabet (M)...
- How is ink typically made for prison tattoos?In prison settings, inmates often create their own ink using accessible materials. Common sources of ink include burnt plastic or styrofoam mixed w...
- What tools and techniques are commonly used in jailhouse tattoos?Prisoners have long been resourceful when it comes to creating tattoo equipment. Common tools include sticks with a needle or staple attached to on...
- What does a wizard symbolize in the context of prison tattoos?A wizard tattoo in the context of prison tattoos may represent knowledge, power, or control. This symbolism can be tied to the wearer's experience...
- How do Norteño gang tattoos relate to the prison tattoo culture?Norteño gang tattoos, such as the number 14, a symbol of their affiliation with the Nuestra Familia prison gang, play a significant role in the pri...
Feb 24, 2016 · 1. TEAR DROP. Perhaps the most well-known tattoo associated with crime and prison, the teardrop can either be unfilled or opaque.
Mar 16, 2023 · In reality, most prison tattoos are not about “crime”—they’re about what comes after being convicted. Teardrop tattoos are broadly associated with gang-related murder, but can also carry the alternative meaning that the person was raped by another prisoner.
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