A teardrop symbolizes sadness and life’s sorrows, whether in gallery-worthy art or in textual language. But to suggest that a teardrop tattoo only has an innocent meaning would be misleading. Yes, a teardrop tattoo does have dark connotations, mainly due to its origins in prison culture. Behind bars, this tattoo is often used to symbolize specific crimes committed by an individual and their involvement in violent activities. However, it has now become popular among free people as well. And it can symbolize a variety of things, ranging from innocence to surviving trauma. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the different symbolisms of the teardrop tattoo and explain them. Keep reading to learn more and see some inspiring designs.
Meaning of teardrop tattoos
For years, the teardrop tattoo has been closely associated with prison life and the challenges that come with it. Often, the teardrop represents sadness, dominance, or involvement in criminal activity within prison walls. In addition to its associations with prison, the teardrop symbolizes the inner struggle that people experience, reflecting feelings of pain, loneliness, and the desire for freedom and connection with loved ones. Over the years, the meaning of the tattoo has evolved beyond the prison walls and can now also symbolize sadness and mourning for lost loved ones. It now symbolizes the ongoing struggle caused by various life events, situations, and emotions. Check out some great teardrop tattoo ideas and their meanings in the section below.
8 Amazing Teardrop Tattoo Ideas With Meanings
While the teardrop tattoo is often placed on the face, some people choose alternative locations such as the arms or hands, each with its own personal meaning. Here are a few designs to give you an idea.
1. Teardrop under eye tattoo
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The tattoo here is a simple teardrop tattoo under the eye. It can symbolize the loss of someone or the sadness that comes with losing a loved one. It is placed under the left eye, in keeping with the meanings associated with prison, and symbolizes a long prison sentence.
2. Teardrop tattoo for women
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This teardrop arm tattoo offers a unique twist on traditional placements. The black teardrop is often associated with memories of a loved one, making it a simple representation of mourning for that person. Unlike typical feminine tattoos filled with vibrant motifs, this simple, no-extra-motif design keeps the focus on sadness and loss.
3. Teardrop tattoo on face
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The teardrop tattoo on the face stands out prominently. The clearly shaded details make this piece impossible to miss. Getting a teardrop tattoo on the right side of the face also marks the memory of a friend or family member who has passed away.
4. Outline teardrop tattoo
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This clean and crisp outline teardrop tattoo on the wrist is striking in its simplicity. According to prison culture, the outlined teardrop often means that the wearer has been charged with attempted murder, indicating involvement in seriously injuring someone or nearly carrying out a murder. It can also serve as a symbolic reminder of the hardships the wearer has overcome.
5. Teardrop tattoo on finger
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It is a simple tattoo for anyone looking for a discreet design that is both visible and subtle. Symbolically, it represents the sorrows the wearer has endured in life, which has also led him or her forward. The placement on the index finger also emphasizes this meaning.
6. Teardrop tattoo on hand
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The single teardrop tattoo on the back of the hand, with its clear outline, draws attention due to its minimalist appeal. This tattoo can symbolize the sadness that the wearer experiences, and serves as a reminder of the difficult times and the factors that helped to move forward.
7. Teardrop tattoo on cheek
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The single teardrop tattoo on the cheek is an attention grabber that adds style to the design. This single teardrop can be a bold statement about the wearer’s tough nature. If you want to make a rebellious and tough statement about your life, this tattoo is for you.
8. Teardrop tattoo on arm
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The relatively larger and more defined outline of the teardrop tattoo makes it easy to see. Placed on the arm, it can serve as a reminder of the memory of a loved one, grief, or the loneliness one may feel over the loss. This tattoo can be a simple yet personal choice for those who wish to commemorate someone special in their life.
A teardrop tattoo has several dark meanings, most of which stem from prison culture. Traditionally associated with murderers and gangsters, it wasn’t a common choice for others. With connotations of murder, domination, and harm, these tattoos were relatively unpopular in the past. In recent times, however, they have emerged from prison walls to symbolize mourning, sadness, and loneliness. Whether you choose clear outlines or solid color fills, there are a variety of representations available depending on what you want to convey.
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Shreya is a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience. After graduating from Christ University, Bengaluru, she started as an intern writer for a non-profit organization, Bhumi. After that, she wrote for a progressive content website.
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Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has written more than 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from University of Calcutta, West Bengal and did her post-graduation from Kalyani University, West Bengal.
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Joyce Joyson is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over a year of experience in creating short-form content for the beauty, fashion and lifestyle niches. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in History, Political Science and Geography from IIS University and a Master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Kristu Jayanti College.
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