What are typical prison tattoos?
Here’s What 30 Common Prison Tattoos Really Mean
- Teardrop. A teardrop tattoo is probably the most recognizable of all the prison tattoos.
- Clock With No Hands.
- Cross On The Chest.
- Three Dots.
- Five Dots.
- 1488.
- Playing Cards.
- Knife Through The Neck.
What is the meaning of prison tattoos?
In some places, the tattoo can mean a lengthy prison sentence, while in others it signifies that the wearer has committed murder. It can also mean that one of the inmate’s friends was murdered and that they are seeking revenge.
What is the most common prison tattoo?
teardrop
A teardrop is probably the most well-known tattoo of all the prison tattoos. Although there are many stories behind the tattoo, they symbolize murder or crime and prison. Teardrops can be empty, half-filled, or filled. Teardrops can be filled in, half-filled in, or empty.
What does an hourglass tattoo mean in prison?
Hourglasses: An hourglass symbol stands for “doing time.” Clock: A clock without hands is another prison tattoo that represents “doing time.” It is meant to represent the nearly endless stretches of time that pass when one is locked up.
What does a dot on each knuckle mean?
Mostly seen in the UK but used elsewhere too, four dots tattooed across the knuckles stand for ACAB (All Cops Are Bastards). Or a dot on each hand in between the thumb and forefinger—one meaning going into prison, and one meaning they have completed their sentence.
What does a star tattoo on your hand mean?
Usually, the design of the star holds the meaning of the tattoo, but sometimes the location of the tattoo on your body can mean something too. A star on your foot or hand can symbolize leading you somewhere, while over your heart or the back of your neck could be to help you remember someone you’ve loved or lost.
What do prison tattoos symbolize?
The Hidden Meanings Behind 11 Prison Tattoos TEAR DROP. Perhaps the most well-known tattoo associated with crime and prison, the teardrop can either be unfilled or opaque. CLOCK WITH NO HANDS. Such an emblem denotes “doing time” for long-time prisoners. SPIDERWEB. BORSTAL MARK. ACAB. EWMN. AB. THREE DOTS. FIVE DOTS. GRIN.
Do certain tattoos mean prison?
Perhaps the most well-known tattoo associated with crime and prison, the teardrop can either be unfilled or opaque . There are many stories about why a prisoner would have this tattoo, but the most common is that an unfilled teardrop might symbolize the death of a loved one, while an opaque one might show that the death has been avenged.
What are prison tattoos made of?
PRISON TATTOOS. Last but not least, ink is made by simply burning Baby Oil, plastic razors or Vaseline, then collecting the black powder soot. With a little soot, soap and water the ink is ready to be tattooed into skin.
What is a jail tattoo?
Prison-made tattoos are a form of communication for inmates who live in a situation that bans most other means of self-expression. These messages, which are easily “read” by other inmates, tell a lot about the wearer, including gang membership, status in prison, family relationships, special life events, spiritual beliefs and personal values.