Teardrop Tattoo: The Dark Symbol with a Story to Tell
Teardrop tattoos are one of the most talked-about tattoo designs. You’ll see them on celebrities like Lil Wayne and even everyday people. Some wear them for personal reasons, while others get them as part of a trend.
These tattoos come in many styles and can be combined with other designs, making them a popular choice in tattoo shops worldwide. But before getting one, do you know what they truly symbolize?
Tears are a natural human response to emotions. We cry when we’re sad, angry, regretful, or even happy. But most of the time, people associate tears with sadness and pain.
If you saw someone crying at the mall without knowing why, you’d likely assume they were upset. The same goes for teardrop tattoos—they often carry deep, emotional meanings. Some people get them as a tribute to lost loved ones, while others may have different, more personal reasons.
The Meaning Behind Teardrop Tattoos
The meaning of teardrop tattoos is a hot topic of debate, and it’s unlikely to be settled anytime soon. However, there are a few common interpretations that many people recognize.
Loss, Hardship, or Grief
For some, a teardrop tattoo symbolizes time spent in prison, sometimes marking a difficult experience, including abuse or struggles behind bars. In certain cases, it’s a forced tattoo, used as a sign of dominance by others.
Others get a teardrop tattoo to honor the loss of a loved one. Celebrities like Lil Wayne, Amar’e Stoudemire, and The Game have inked teardrops for this reason.
While teardrop tattoos are often linked to pain and struggle, they don’t always have a dark meaning. Some people wear them as personal reminders of resilience, strength, or even triumph over adversity.
Before getting one, make sure you fully understand its significance and choose a meaning that resonates with you!
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Teardrop Tattoos: What They Represent in Different Cultures
- Prison Culture (USA and Worldwide)
In prison culture, a teardrop tattoo often represents a person who has killed someone, with one teardrop signifying one life taken. If the teardrop is filled in, it can symbolize the person has served time for their crime. - Latin American Culture
Among some Latin American communities, a teardrop tattoo can symbolize the loss of a loved one, often representing grief or mourning. It can also indicate time spent in prison or gang affiliation. - Russian Criminal Culture
In Russian prison culture, a teardrop tattoo is seen as a symbol of someone who has committed murder. It may also be associated with serving time or a sign of loyalty to a criminal group. - Gang Culture (Worldwide)
In some gang cultures, a teardrop tattoo symbolizes someone who has avenged the death of a loved one or been involved in violent acts. It may also denote a member’s status or experience in criminal activity. - Symbol of Mourning (Global)
In various cultures, a teardrop tattoo can symbolize personal grief, loss, or heartbreak. It is often used to memorialize a deceased loved one or to express emotional pain.
Teardrop Tattoo Placement: What It Says About You
Left Side of the Face
If the teardrop is under the left eye, it often means the person has lost someone close to them. It can symbolize grief, pain, or a difficult past. Some people get it to honor a loved one who has passed away.
Right Side of the Face
A teardrop under the right eye is sometimes linked to violence or gang culture. In some cases, it may mean the person has harmed or even killed someone. However, not everyone with this tattoo has a criminal past—some just like the design or its meaning of strength and survival.
Filled vs. Hollow Teardrop
- A filled-in (solid) teardrop may mean that a person has taken revenge or completed a certain action.
- A hollow (empty) teardrop can represent an unfinished story, such as a loss that still affects the person.
Celebrities with Teardrop Tattoos
One famous person with a teardrop tattoo is Lil Wayne. He is a rapper and has several teardrop tattoos. Some say they represent people he lost. Another celebrity is The Game, also a rapper, who had a teardrop tattoo but later covered it. Amy Winehouse, a famous singer, had a small teardrop tattoo, but it was just for style.
Teardrop Tattoo and Designs and Types
A teardrop tattoo can have a different design depending on the person wearing it. The best way to understand its significance is to ask the individual, as it can be personal or symbolic.
Single Teardrop Tattoo
This design includes one teardrop tattoo placed under the eye. It can be small or medium-sized, either filled in or outlined. Sometimes, people add another small tattoo on the other side, like a cross or a dagger, for extra meaning.
Multiple Teardrop Tattoos
This style features several teardrop tattoos under or around one eye. They may be arranged in a pattern or randomly placed. Like the single teardrop, they can be solid or outlined.
Colored Teardrop Tattoos
Some teardrop tattoos include color instead of the traditional black ink. These are often chosen for their artistic appeal rather than symbolic meaning. Women, in particular, may opt for colored teardrops as part of their style. In some designs, the outline and fill are different colors to create contrast.
Teardrop Tattoo Colors and its combination
- Black Teardrop
- A solid black teardrop can mean that a person has taken someone’s life or been involved in violent activities.
- In some cases, it can also symbolize deep grief or loss.
- Outlined (Empty) Teardrop
- An unfilled teardrop often means the person has experienced loss, such as losing a loved one or a close friend.
- It may also represent unfinished business, like revenge that has not yet been taken.
- Blue Teardrop
- A blue teardrop can represent sadness, depression, or emotional pain rather than violence.
- Some people get a blue teardrop to honor a lost loved one.
- Red Teardrop
- A red teardrop may symbolize passion, anger, or intense emotions.
- Some suggest it could also be linked to gang-related meanings or crimes.
- Green Teardrop
- This is less common but might represent rebirth, healing, or personal growth after a tragedy.
- Yellow or Gold Teardrop
- This can represent hope, survival, or overcoming difficult situations.
Combination of Colors
Some people mix colors in their teardrop tattoo to show a combination of meanings. For example:
- Half black, half outlined – Might mean they have experienced loss but have also moved on.
- Red and black – Could symbolize both violence and deep emotional pain.
- Blue and black – Might show a mix of emotional and physical struggles.
Thinking About a Teardrop Tattoo? Here’s What You Should Know
Getting a teardrop tattoo is a big decision. This tattoo carries deep meanings, and people often see it as a sign of rebellion or toughness. If you choose to get one, you are sending a message to the world about yourself.
Some people think a teardrop tattoo makes them look intimidating or dangerous. They believe it will give them a tough reputation, even if they have no real connection to crime or violence. Others get this tattoo to express sadness, grief, or regret over past actions or personal loss.
Things to Consider Before Getting a Teardrop Tattoo
Face tattoos are permanent and can have unintended consequences. While some view them as symbols of free-spirited expression, others may link them to crime or gang activity.
A teardrop tattoo under the eye or on the cheek often has gang-related meanings. An outlined teardrop can represent mourning a deceased gang member. A filled teardrop might suggest the person has taken a life, and multiple filled teardrops can indicate multiple killings.
If you want a teardrop tattoo to express grief, think carefully. At first, it might seem like a meaningful way to remember a lost loved one. But over time, having a permanent reminder of sadness may not be good for your mental health.
Some people also choose a teardrop tattoo as a mark of self-pity after experiencing violence. But in the long run, this symbol may not help with healing and could bring unwanted attention.
If you want this tattoo to appear tough or streetwise, think twice. You could run into problems, especially in areas where gangs take these symbols seriously. Even if you are not in danger, you don’t want to attract the wrong kind of attention.
Also, your mindset may change as you grow older. If you no longer want to be associated with violence or toughness, removing the tattoo can be expensive and painful.
How a Teardrop Tattoo Can Affect Your Life
Even if you get a teardrop tattoo for style or personal reasons, other people may assume it has a criminal meaning. This can lead to problems in different areas of life.
Legal Risks: If a crime happens in your area, people with face tattoos could be suspects, even if they are innocent. Witnesses may wrongly accuse someone just because of their appearance.
Work Issues: Some employers might judge you based on your tattoo and avoid hiring you. They may worry about their company’s reputation or how customers will react.
Relationship Struggles: You may have to explain your tattoo’s meaning to potential partners, who might wrongly assume you have a criminal background.
Teardrop tattoo Design Ideas
