What Does a Tear Drop Tattoo Mean? History, Symbolism, and Celebrity Examples

Tear drop tattoos have long been one of the most recognizable yet misunderstood tattoo designs in the world. Small, discreet, and usually placed under the eye, this tattoo carries an outsized reputation. For some, it represents grief and loss. For others, it is linked to prison life, crime, or hardship. In modern culture, the meaning has become more diverse, with many choosing the tattoo for personal or aesthetic reasons.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What does a tear drop tattoo mean?”, this guide will give you a detailed explanation. We’ll explore the tattoo’s history, its association with mourning and crime, how placement changes the meaning, celebrity examples, regional differences, and things to consider before getting one.

The Origins of the Tear Drop Tattoo

The tear drop tattoo first gained widespread recognition in U.S. prison culture in the mid-to-late 20th century. Inmates used tattoos as a coded form of communication—signaling gang affiliation, criminal acts, or time spent behind bars. The tear drop, specifically placed under the eye, was one of the most visible and symbolic.
While its earliest uses were heavily tied to violence and incarceration, the tear drop tattoo eventually spread into mainstream culture, where meanings evolved. Today, while the prison association remains strong, many people adopt the design for reasons unrelated to crime.

Common Meanings of a Tear Drop Tattoo

1. Mourning and Loss

One of the most heartfelt meanings of a tear drop tattoo is mourning. Many people choose this tattoo to commemorate the loss of a loved one. The tear represents sadness and grief, making it a permanent tribute etched onto the skin. In this context, the tattoo is deeply personal and not tied to crime or prison.

2. Prison and Crime Associations

In prison culture, the tear drop tattoo has several interpretations:

• Time Served: A single tear drop can indicate the wearer has spent time in prison.
• Acts of Violence: In some contexts, a filled-in tear drop can mean the wearer has committed murder.
• Loss in Prison: It can also represent mourning the death of a fellow inmate or friend.

The exact meaning often depends on the region, the prison system, and even the individual’s own explanation.

3. Personal Struggles and Resilience

Outside of prisons, many adopt the tear drop tattoo as a symbol of overcoming hardship. Survivors of addiction, abuse, or depression sometimes use it as a reminder of resilience and inner strength. For them, the tattoo is not about crime but about victory over personal battles.

Placement Matters: Left Eye vs. Right Eye

The placement of a tear drop tattoo can change its meaning. Although interpretations vary, here are some commonly recognized differences:

Under the Right Eye

A tear drop beneath the left eye is frequently associated with personal grief or mourning. It may symbolize the loss of a family member, friend, or loved one. Outside of prison culture, this placement is usually linked more to emotional pain than crime.

Under the Left Eye

A tear drop under the right eye has historically carried stronger associations with crime or vengeance. In some gangs, it represents violence or revenge. However, in modern tattoo culture, people may use this placement to symbolize surviving hardship, regardless of any criminal ties.

Multiple Tear Drops

More than one tear drop tattoo can indicate multiple losses or struggles. In prison, multiple filled-in drops may signal repeated acts of violence. In non-criminal contexts, several drops might symbolize enduring multiple tragedies or hardships in life.

Other Placements

While rare, some choose to place tear drops near the temple, cheek, or as part of larger facial tattoos. These are usually more aesthetic or artistic rather than tied to traditional meanings.

Variations of the Tear Drop Tattoo

Hollow vs. Filled-In: A hollow tear drop often represents loss or mourning, while a filled-in drop has been linked to acts of violence.
Accompanied Symbols: Names, crosses, or hearts alongside the tear can personalize its meaning.
Stylistic Choices: Modern tattoo artists may stylize the tear drop with shading, colors, or geometric patterns, moving away from its traditional connotations.

Regional Differences in Tear Drop Tattoo Meanings

The meaning of a tear drop tattoo can shift depending on where you are in the world.

United States

In the U.S., the tear drop tattoo is most commonly tied to prison culture. Within certain gangs or prisons, it may signify violence, revenge, or time served. However, among civilians, it has also become a symbol of mourning or hardship.

Latin America

In countries such as Mexico, Brazil, and El Salvador, the tear drop tattoo has a strong association with gangs, particularly with groups like MS-13. It is often viewed as a marker of criminal activity or gang allegiance. Because of this, wearing a tear drop tattoo in these regions can be highly dangerous if one is not actually part of a gang.

Europe

In Europe, meanings are more mixed. In some areas, it is linked to prison life, but in others, it has been embraced by the punk, hip-hop, and alternative communities as an artistic or emotional statement. The association with grief and loss is particularly common in the U.K. and Western Europe.

Tear Drop Tattoos in Pop Culture and Celebrity Examples

The tear drop tattoo has moved beyond prison culture and entered mainstream awareness, largely due to celebrities and public figures who wear it. Here are some well-known examples:

• Lil Wayne – The famous U.S. rapper has several tear drops beneath his eyes. While he has not publicly explained each one, they are widely believed to symbolize the deaths of friends and loved ones.
• The Game – Another U.S. rapper, The Game, also sports a tear drop tattoo. Reports suggest his tattoo represents the loss of close friends, reinforcing its association with mourning and grief.
• Amy Winehouse – The late British singer had a tear drop tattoo inked to mark her distress over her husband, Blake Fielder-Civil, being on remand at Pentonville Prison. For Winehouse, the tattoo reflected emotional pain rather than criminal ties.
• Amar’e Stoudemire – The NBA basketball player revealed a tear drop tattoo in 2012. He stated it was a tribute to his older brother, Hazell Jr., who tragically died in a car accident.

These examples show how the meaning of a tear drop tattoo shifts depending on the individual. For rappers like The Game and Lil Wayne, the tattoo has strong ties to mourning friends within their communities. For Amy Winehouse, it was a deeply personal expression of emotional turmoil. For Amar’e Stoudemire, it symbolized family loss and remembrance.

By seeing how different public figures use the same symbol, it becomes clear that a tear drop tattoo’s meaning is not fixed—it depends on context, intent, and personal story.

Important Considerations Before Getting a Tear Drop Tattoo

While tear drop tattoos can hold powerful personal meaning, they also carry a reputation that may lead to misinterpretation. Here are key things to consider:

1. Cultural Associations – In some areas, the tattoo is heavily associated with gangs and crime. Wearing it could put someone at risk of judgment—or even danger—in certain communities.
2. Professional Settings – A visible facial tattoo may affect career opportunities, as it remains one of the most stigmatized placements.
3. Personal Intent – Be clear about your own reason for getting the tattoo. Whether it’s grief, resilience, or art, your explanation matters.
4. Tattoo Artist’s Guidance – A professional tattoo artist can help customize the design to better reflect your personal meaning and avoid misinterpretation.

Conclusion

So, what does a tear drop tattoo mean? The answer depends on context, placement, and culture. Traditionally, it has been tied to prison life and crime, but for many today, it represents mourning, resilience, or artistic expression. Placement under the left eye often signals grief, while placement under the right eye may suggest vengeance or hardship. Regional and cultural differences further shape its interpretation.

Celebrities like Lil Wayne, The Game, and Amy Winehouse have helped bring the tattoo into mainstream culture, giving it broader visibility and varied meanings. Still, before getting one, it’s crucial to consider how others may perceive it.

Ultimately, a tear drop tattoo is a powerful symbol. Whether you choose it to honor a loved one, mark survival, or embrace its artistic style, understanding its history ensures that your tattoo tells the story you intend.