8 Amazing Teardrop Tattoo Ideas With Meanings
From behind the prison walls to the expression of grief, let you ink narrate your story right!
Brik Rangel is a highly skilled tattoo artist who has 12 years of experience in the field. She specializes in transformative tattoo makeovers and cover-ups. After honing her craft in São Paulo, Brazil, she now works as a tattoo artist and manager at Manhattan Tattoos in New York, and as a tattoo artist at Divine Tattoos in New Jersey.
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A teardrop symbolizes grief and the sorrows of life whether found in gallery-worthy art or in the text language. But suggesting that a teardrop tattoo has only innocent meaning would be misleading. Yes, a teardrop tattoo carries darker connotations too, primarily due to its origin in prison culture. Behind the bars, this tattoo is often used to signify specific crimes committed by a person and their involvement in violent activities. However, it has now gained popularity among free people as well. And it can signify an array of things ranging from innocence to surviving trauma. In this article, we’ll delve deeper and explain the different symbolisms of the teardrop tattoo. Keep reading to learn more and check out inspiring designs.
In This Article
Meaning Of Teardrop Tattoos
For years, the teardrop tattoo has been closely linked with prison life and its associated challenges, often representing sorrow, dominance, or involvement in criminal activities within prison walls. Beyond its prison associations, the teardrop symbolizes the internal struggle experienced by people, reflecting feelings of pain, loneliness, and the yearning for freedom and connection with loved ones. Over the years, the tattoo’s meaning has evolved beyond the walls of the prison and now it can also be symbolic of grief and mourning for lost loved ones. It now signifies the enduring struggle caused by various life events, situations, and emotions. Check out a few amazing teardrop tattoo ideas and their meanings in the next section.
8 Amazing Teardrop Tattoo Ideas With Meanings
While the teardrop tattoo is commonly placed on the face, some individuals opt for alternative locations such as the arms or hands, each carrying its own personal significance. Here are a few designs to help you get an idea of it.
1. Teardrop Under Eye Tattoo
The tattoo here is a simple teardrop tattoo under the eye. It may symbolize the loss of someone or the grief associated with losing a loved one. It is placed under the left eye, in accordance with the meanings associated with prison, and symbolizes a lengthy prison sentence.
2. Teardrop Tattoo For Women
This teardrop tattoo on the arm presents a unique twist from traditional placements. The black-colored drop is often associated with memories of a loved one, making it a simple representation of mourning for that person. Unlike usual feminine tattoos, complemented with lively motifs, this simple, no-extra-motif design keeps the focus on grief and loss.
3. Teardrop Tattoo On Face
The teardrop tattoo on the face stands out prominently. The clearly shaded detailing makes this piece impossible to overlook. Also, getting a teardrop tattoo on the right side of the face marks remembrance of a friend or family member who has passed away.
4. Outline Teardrop Tattoo
This clean and clear outline teardrop tattoo on the wrist is striking in its simplicity. According to prison culture, the outlined teardrop often signifies that the wearer was charged with attempted murder, indicating involvement in harming someone severely or nearly executing a murder. Also, it can serve as a symbolic reminder of the hardships overcome by the wearer.
5. Teardrop Tattoo On Finger
It is a simple tattoo for anyone seeking a discreet design that is both visible and subtle. Symbolically, it represents the grief the wearer has endured in life, which has also guided them forward. The placement on the fore finger stresses this meaning too.
6. Teardrop Tattoo On Hand
The single teardrop tattoo on the back of the hand, with its clear outline, draws attention due to its minimalistic appeal. This tattoo can symbolize the grief experienced by the wearer, serving as a reminder of the challenging times and the factors that helped in moving forward.
7. Teardrop Tattoo On Cheek
The single teardrop tattoo on the cheek is an attention-grabber that adds style to the design. This single drop can signify a bold statement about the wearer’s tough nature. If you are looking to make a rebellious and tough statement about your life, this tattoo is for you.
8. Teardrop Tattoo On Arm
The comparatively bigger and clearer outline of the teardrop tattoo ensures its visibility without much effort. Placed on the arm, it can serve as a reminder of the memory of a loved person, mourning, or the loneliness one may feel about the loss. This tattoo can be a simple yet personal choice for those seeking to commemorate someone special in their lives.
A teardrop tattoo carries several dark meanings, primarily originating from prison culture. Traditionally associated with murderers and gangsters, it was not a common choice for others. With connotations of murder, dominance, and harm, these tattoos were relatively unpopular in the past. However, in recent times, they have transcended prison walls to symbolize mourning, grief, and loneliness. Whether opting for clear outlines or solid color fills, there are various representations available based on what you aim to convey.
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