Prison tattoos are more than just ink on skin; they are a language, a history book etched onto the body, especially within the confines of correctional facilities. For those working in jails and prisons, understanding this visual lexicon can be crucial for safety and awareness. Among the myriad of symbols and designs, the teardrop tattoo meaning stands out as one of the most recognized and yet regionally varied. This article delves into the meaning of the teardrop tattoo, alongside other prevalent prison ink, providing a comprehensive guide to deciphering these powerful symbols.
1. Teardrop Tattoo: Meaning and Variations
Alt text: Close-up of a teardrop tattoo beneath the eye, symbolizing varied meanings from prison sentence to loss or revenge.
Perhaps one of the most infamous and globally recognized prison tattoos is the teardrop. However, its teardrop tattoo meaning isn’t universal; it shifts depending on geographical location and individual context. In some regions, a teardrop signifies a long stint in prison. In others, it chillingly declares that the wearer has taken a life, committed murder, or been through significant loss.
Adding another layer, an outlined teardrop, rather than a filled one, can suggest an attempted murder or a desire for revenge for a friend’s death. While celebrities and rappers have popularized the teardrop tattoo, its roots remain deeply embedded in prison culture. For newcomers entering prison sporting a teardrop without earning it, the consequences can be severe and swift, marking them as targets and disrespecting the established code.
2. Gang-Related Tattoos: Identifying Affiliations and Beliefs
Several tattoos serve as visual declarations of gang allegiance, ideology, and rank within the intricate hierarchies of prison gangs. Recognizing these symbols is vital for understanding inmate dynamics and potential security risks.
2.1. Five-Point Crown: Latin Kings Nation
Alt text: Illustration of a five-point crown tattoo, symbol of the Latin Kings gang, often accompanied by ALKN initials.
The five-point crown is the unmistakable emblem of the Latin Kings, one of the largest Hispanic gangs originating from Chicago and wielding significant influence both inside and outside prison walls. Often accompanied by the acronym ALKN, signifying Almighty Latin Kings Nation, this tattoo’s five points are a nod to the People Nation gang alliance, represented by the number five. Established in the 1940s, the Latin Kings have a deep history. Intriguingly, subtle details within the crown design, such as the colors of the jewels, can encode further hidden meanings and ranks within the gang.
2.2. Aryan Brotherhood: White Supremacy and Violence
Alt text: Collection of Aryan Brotherhood tattoos, including AB initials, swastika, and SS bolts, representing a violent white supremacist prison gang.
Tattoos associated with the Aryan Brotherhood (AB) are red flags indicating extreme danger. Ranging from simple ‘AB’ initials to overt Nazi symbols like swastikas and SS lightning bolts, these tattoos represent a gang responsible for a disproportionate amount of violence within US prisons. Despite comprising only a small fraction of the inmate population, the Aryan Brotherhood is linked to a staggering percentage of prison murders. Their tattoos may also be referred to by coded names such as Alice Baker, the One-Two, or The Brand, highlighting the need for vigilance.
2.3. Norteño and La Eme: California Gang Rivalry
Alt text: “Norteño” tattoo in stylized script, signifying affiliation with the Nuestra Familia gang from Northern California.
Alt text: “La Eme” tattoo, representing the Mexican Mafia, a powerful Sureño gang with origins in American prisons.
In the landscape of California prison gangs, tattoos clearly demarcate geographical and gang affiliations. Norteño tattoos signal allegiance to Nuestra Familia, a gang associated with Hispanic inmates from Northern California. These tattoos can include the word “Norteño,” “Nuestra Familia” itself, a sombrero, the letter N, or the number 14 (N being the 14th letter of the alphabet). The Norteños are rivals to the Sureños, Southern California Hispanic gangs.
La Eme, also known as the Mexican Mafia, is another major player, identified by the letter ‘M’. Despite its name, La Eme originated not in Mexico but amongst Mexican-Americans incarcerated in US prisons. They are a Sureño gang, forming part of the Southern California Hispanic gang network, and are known for their ruthlessness and alliance with the Aryan Brotherhood, notably sharing a common enemy in Nuestra Familia.
2.4. MS-13: Mara Salvatrucha’s Mark
Alt text: “MS 13” tattoo prominently displayed, symbol of the Mara Salvatrucha gang, often found on visible body parts.
MS-13, or simply MS or 13, represents the Mara Salvatrucha gang, originating from El Salvador. These tattoos are often boldly displayed in highly visible locations such as the face, hands, or neck, though they can appear anywhere on the body. Founded by El Salvadoran immigrants in Los Angeles, Mara Salvatrucha has expanded across the US and even into Canada. Their criminal activities are widespread, ranging from drug trafficking to human exploitation.
3. Ideological and Belief-Based Tattoos: Symbols of Hate and Disregard
Beyond gang affiliation, some tattoos express broader ideologies, beliefs, or attitudes, often rooted in hate or defiance of authority.
3.1. 1488: Neo-Nazi Code
Alt text: “1488” tattoo, numerical code for white supremacist ideology, combining David Lane’s 14 words and Nazi salute.
The number combination 1488 is a coded tattoo heavily associated with white supremacist and Nazi inmates. The number 14 represents “the 14 words,” a white supremacist slogan coined by Nazi leader David Lane: “We must secure the existence of our people and a future for White Children.” The number 88 is numerical code for “Heil Hitler,” as H is the 8th letter of the alphabet. These numbers, sometimes appearing separately as 14 or 88, are potent symbols of hate ideology.
3.2. ACAB: Anti-Police Sentiment
Alt text: “ACAB” tattoo on knuckles, acronym for “All Cops Are Bastards,” expressing anti-authority sentiment common in prison.
ACAB is an acronym tattoo predominantly found among British prisoners, standing for “All Cops Are Bastards.” While some attempt to reinterpret it as “Always Carry A Bible” to mitigate regret, the overwhelmingly accepted meaning is anti-police. Often inked across the knuckles, this tattoo signifies a willingness to defy authority and “go to prison” for one’s crew or gang.
3.3. EWMN: Embracing the “Evil” Persona
Alt text: “EWMN” tattoo on knuckles, acronym for “Evil, Wicked, Mean, Nasty,” embodying a tough prison persona.
EWMN, tattooed across knuckles, spells out “Evil, Wicked, Mean, Nasty.” Devoid of specific gang affiliation, it simply embodies a general disposition of hardened inmates embracing a tough persona. Popularized by Robert Mitchum’s character in the 1955 film ‘The Night of the Hunter’ (with “love” and “hate” tattoos), EWMN reflects a similar embrace of a negative self-image, with variations like “Rock/Roll” or “Stay/Down” emerging.
4. Time and Lifestyle Tattoos: Marking Sentences and Habits
Other tattoos speak to the inmate’s experience within the prison system, marking time served, lifestyle choices, or status within the prison hierarchy.
4.1. Cobweb: Long Time Served
Alt text: Cobweb tattoo on elbow, symbolizing a lengthy prison sentence, like a spiderweb forming during long periods of inactivity.
The cobweb tattoo is a potent symbol of a lengthy prison sentence. The imagery evokes spiders trapping prey, mirroring criminals “trapped” behind bars for extended periods. Commonly found on the elbow, it signifies “sitting around so long” that a spider could build a web. While also appearing on the neck, a multicolored web is unlikely to be a genuine prison tattoo due to the scarcity of colored ink within correctional facilities.
4.2. Clock with No Hands: “Doing Time”
Alt text: Clock tattoo without hands, representing “doing time” in prison, often signifying a long sentence.
A clock without hands is a straightforward representation of “doing time,” specifically a long prison sentence. Inmates serving extended periods might get this tattoo on their wrist, complete with watch straps, mimicking a real watch. The clock face can vary, from wall clock to grandfather clock styles. While clock tattoos outside prison exist, the absence of hands is the key indicator of its prison-related meaning.
4.3. Five Dots and Three Dots: Confinement and “Crazy Life”
Alt text: Five dots tattoo on hand, representing time served in prison, the four outer dots symbolizing walls and the inner dot the prisoner.
Alt text: Three dots tattoo, representing “mi vida loca” or “my crazy life,” associated with the gang lifestyle but not specific gangs.
Five dots, also known as the quincunx, are distinct from three dots and symbolize time served in prison. The four outer dots represent the four walls of a cell, with the central dot representing the inmate within. This tattoo is found internationally, across both American and European prisons, typically located on the hand between the thumb and forefinger.
Three dots, conversely, represent “mi vida loca,” Spanish for “my crazy life.” This tattoo is not tied to a specific gang but to the general gang lifestyle itself. Commonly found on hands or around the eyes, it can also hold religious meaning, representing the Holy Trinity in Christianity. The three-dot tattoo is often created using rudimentary “stick-and-poke” methods.
4.4. Playing Cards: The Gambling Inmate
Alt text: Playing card tattoos, generally indicating a fondness for gambling, with specific suits carrying deeper meanings in Russian prisons.
Playing card tattoos, or suits from a deck, generally indicate an inmate who enjoys gambling, both inside and outside of prison. It can also represent a person who views life itself as a gamble. This tattoo is especially prevalent in Russian prisons, where each suit holds specific meanings: spades for thieves, clubs for general criminals, diamonds (often forcibly applied) for informants, and hearts, potentially forcibly applied as well, suggesting someone seeking a romantic relationship within prison.
4.5. Cross on the Chest: Russian “Prince of Thieves”
Alt text: Cross tattoo on chest, a symbol of a “Prince of Thieves” in Russian prisons, signifying high rank in the criminal underworld.
Particularly in Russian prisons, a cross tattooed on the chest signifies a “Prince of Thieves.” This is the highest rank attainable in the Russian criminal hierarchy and is typically worn by high-ranking members of the mob. Russian prison tattoos are renowned for their intricate symbolism and history. Other examples include bells representing freedom and a tiger on the chest symbolizing aggression towards law enforcement.
Understanding prison tattoos is akin to learning a silent language. While this guide covers some of the most common and recognizable designs, the world of prison ink is complex and constantly evolving. Being aware of these teardrop tattoo meaning and other symbols can provide valuable insights into the backgrounds, affiliations, and potential behaviors of inmates, contributing to safer and more informed correctional environments.
