What does a teardrop tattoo mean?

The Meaning Behind Teardrop Tattoos

When someone has a teardrop tattoo, it can signify a variety of things. Teardrop tattoos have been popular for many years and their meanings are widely debated. Below, we will explore three of the most commonly accepted explanations for the meaning behind these tattoos.

Mourning a Loved One

One of the most common interpretations of teardrop tattoos is that they are a way to symbolize grief, mourning, and remembrance of a lost loved one. Often, a teardrop tattoo is seen as a way to honor the memory of someone who has died. This type of tattoo may be accompanied by the name of the person being remembered, or other symbols of memorialization. This interpretation of the teardrop tattoo is most likely the result of the shape of the tattoo itself – as it is similar to the shape of a tear, it can represent the sadness of missing a significant person in one’s life.

A Life of Crime

The second interpretation of teardrop tattoos is that they represent a life of crime. In this way, the teardrop tattoo can symbolize the time spent in prison, or a crime that was committed. Teardrop tattoos can have a much different significance depending on the context and who is interpreting them. In some cases, the teardrop tattoo can symbolize a sentence served in prison, while in other cases it could signify the death of a fellow prison inmate. It can also represent a criminal act that was committed, and the wearer of the tattoo is showing remorse or regret for this act of violence.

Hope For the Future

The third interpretation of a teardrop tattoo is hope for the future. In this case, the tattoo can signify that the wearer is looking forward to a brighter future, even in the face of their current circumstances. This meaning is especially poignant when the wearer of the tattoo has experienced tragedy or loss in their life. While it is also symbolic of mourning, the teardrop tattoo can also represent the idea that someone is looking for hope in the future and seeing beyond the darkness that can sometimes accompany mourning.

No matter the interpretation, it is clear that the teardrop tattoo has a variety of meanings and carries much significance for the individual wearing it. Symbolic of grief, crime, and hope, this tattoo is a powerful reminder of our mortality, our ability to overcome obstacles, and to strive for something better.