Russian Jail Tattoos are a complex and deeply symbolic system of markings used within the criminal underworld. These tattoos are not mere decorations; they serve as a visual language, communicating a prisoner’s status, criminal history, and personal beliefs within the harsh environment of Russian prisons. Understanding these tattoos offers a fascinating glimpse into the unique subculture and hierarchy that exists behind bars.
Ring Tattoos: A Hierarchy Etched in Ink
Ring tattoos on the fingers are among the most recognizable and codified forms of Russian jail tattoos. Each finger and combination of symbols carries a specific meaning, acting as a criminal’s resume visible on their hands.
-
Five Dots: Located between the thumb and forefinger, this tattoo signifies “Four guard towers and me,” or simply “I’ve been in prison.” It’s a basic indicator of incarceration experience.
-
‘MIR’ Tattoo: This acronym, tattooed as a ring, is particularly interesting. While ‘MIR’ is the Russian word for “peace,” in the context of prison tattoos, it stands for “Shooting will reform me” (‘Menya Ispravit Rasstrel’). This ironic tattoo speaks to a defiance of the system and a hardened criminal mentality.
-
Cat’s Head: Often seen as a ring tattoo, the cat’s head symbolizes a thief. In the prison environment, cats are considered native inhabitants, and this symbol marks the wearer as belonging to the thieving class, a respected position within the criminal hierarchy.
-
Crosses on Knuckles: Small crosses tattooed on the knuckles, often three, signify “Trips to the zone,” with each cross representing a prison conviction. Alternatively, three crosses can simply mean “I’ve been to prison three times,” directly counting their sentences.
-
‘LARA’ Tattoo: Unlike the symbolic tattoos, ‘LARA’ is often a personal tattoo, representing a girlfriend’s name. This highlights that amidst the codified system, personal expressions and affections still find their way into prison ink.
-
Forefinger Ring – “Leninist Bandit”: A ring on the forefinger marks the wearer as a “Leninist bandit.” This signifies a leader of a group of expropriators, suggesting a role in organized crime and robbery, possibly with a leaning towards revolutionary or anti-establishment ideology, ironically using Lenin’s name.
-
Middle Finger Ring – “Convicted for Brigandage”: A ring on the middle finger indicates “Convicted for brigandage.” Brigandage is a serious offense, often involving armed robbery or banditry, thus this tattoo marks the wearer as a hardened criminal convicted of violent theft.
-
Third Finger Ring – “Complete Orphan”: A ring on the third finger carries a poignant meaning: “Complete orphan. Rely on no one but yourself.” This tattoo signals a lack of family support and an individualistic, self-reliant criminal, potentially evoking sympathy or respect within the prison system.
-
Little Finger Ring – “Anarchist”: A ring on the little finger denotes “Anarchist.” This signifies a rejection of authority and rules, aligning with an anti-establishment criminal philosophy.
-
‘PEGA’ Tattoo: Similar to ‘LARA’, ‘PEGA’ is likely a nickname tattooed as a ring. This again shows the mix of symbolic and personal tattoos within the system, where individual identity is still asserted.
Forcibly Applied “Lowering” Tattoos: Marks of Degradation
Beyond voluntary tattoos that signify status, there exists a darker side to Russian jailhouse ink: forcibly applied “lowering” tattoos. These are not chosen but imposed, designed to degrade and mark individuals of the lowest status within the prison hierarchy, often those who have violated unwritten criminal codes or are deemed to be informants or sex offenders. These tattoos are applied against the person’s will and carry severe stigma and danger within the prison environment.
-
Heart (“Shaggy Face”) Tattoo: This heart tattoo carries a deeply insulting meaning: “Sentenced for robbing the furry safe,” which is a euphemism for sexual assault. Coupled with “Cunt thief,” this tattoo identifies the wearer as a rapist and someone who steals from their own kind, marking them for extreme ostracization and violence.
-
Three Dots (“Waffler”) Tattoo: Three dots in a line carry a highly derogatory meaning: “Waffler.” This refers to a man who performs fellatio and swallows sperm. Other related degrading terms associated with this tattoo include “Spermatovar” (sperm-filled samovar), “Dick-pump,” and “Stroker,” all emphasizing the forced sexual humiliation and lowest possible status.
-
Black and White Halves (“Garbage”) Tattoo: A tattoo divided into black and white halves signifies “Garbage,” “Slime,” “Sunken,” “Cock,” “Bottom dweller,” and “Scruffy.” This is a general marker of someone considered the lowest of the low, often applied to informants or those who have broken prison rules, branding them as disposable and contemptible.
-
Arrow (“Touring-Thief”) Tattoo: An arrow tattoo means “Touring-thief” or “Here today, there tomorrow.” While seemingly less overtly degrading, in the context of forced tattoos, it can imply someone unreliable and untrustworthy, possibly marked for being a snitch who moves between prisons to inform.
-
Six Dots (“Sixer”) Tattoo: Six dots in a square or two rows of three denote “Sixer,” the lowest card in the Russian deck. This signifies “Lackey of the authority,” as “sixers” act as servants to the thieves’ “authorities.” This tattoo marks someone forced into servitude and compliance, lacking any status or respect.
-
“D/D” (“Orphan”) Tattoo: The letters “D/D” stand for “I was raised in an orphanage” or simply “Orphan.” In the context of forced tattoos, it can be used sarcastically to imply weakness and vulnerability, marking someone as easily exploited and without protection.
-
Heart Pierced by Syringe (“Addict”) Tattoo: A heart pierced by a syringe means “Addict” and “In drugs I find all my happiness.” While drug use is prevalent in prisons, this forced tattoo can be used to further stigmatize and isolate an individual, highlighting their dependence and perceived weakness.
-
Wheel in a Circle (“Fatherless”) Tattoo: A wheel inside a circle symbolizes “Fatherless” and “I became a thief because of poverty and a broken home,” or “Son of a single mother.” As a forced tattoo, it can be used to shame someone for their background and perceived lack of proper upbringing, justifying their low status in the criminal hierarchy.
-
Beetle (“Scarab Beetle”) Tattoo: Even a seemingly positive symbol like a scarab beetle, generally a symbol of luck, can take on a different meaning in the context of forced tattoos. While it can represent “Hope to find true, strong love in life” as a voluntary tattoo, if forcibly applied it could be used ironically, mocking any hope for redemption or love for someone deemed unworthy.
The Language of Card Suits in Tattoos
The original text also mentions the association of card suits with certain criminal classes and preferences within the tattoo symbolism.
- Clubs: Associated with swords, favored by thieves, robbers, and exploiters.
- Spades: Associated with spears, also preferred by thieves, robbers, and exploiters.
- Hearts: Associated with shields.
- Diamonds: Considered a public symbol.
This connection to card suits further illustrates the complex coded language of Russian jail tattoos, where even seemingly innocuous symbols can carry layers of meaning within the criminal context.
Conclusion
Russian jail tattoos are far more than skin deep. They represent a sophisticated and brutal system of communication, hierarchy, and identity within the Russian criminal underworld. From the voluntary rings denoting criminal specialization and status to the forcibly applied tattoos of degradation, each marking tells a story. Decoding these tattoos provides a chilling yet fascinating insight into a hidden world with its own rules, language, and indelible marks of belonging and exclusion.
