Tattooing has a long history in prisons and correctional facilities. In many cases, inmates create and exchange tattoos as a way to mark their identity, show allegiance to a particular group, or express themselves artistically.
Tattoos can also have significant cultural and social meaning in prison. For example, tattoos can indicate a prisoner’s affiliation with a particular gang or indicate that they have committed a particular crime. In some cases, tattoos may be used as a form of communication or a way to convey important information.
While tattoos can be an important part of life in prison, they can also have consequences. In some cases, prison tattoos can limit a person’s job opportunities or lead to discrimination. Additionally, tattoos that are associated with criminal activity or gangs can lead to increased scrutiny from law enforcement and can make it harder for a person to reintegrate into society after they are released from prison.
You can buy prison tattoos here if you are interested in the aesthetic or design of temporary prison tattoos. Additionally, purchasing a temporary prison tattoo online is a way to express solidarity with incarcerated individuals or to make a statement about the criminal justice system.
22 prison tattoos with hidden meanings
The use of tattoos signifies criminal activity or affiliation. Additionally, these tattoos can vary in meaning depending on the location and culture of the prison.
However, here are 20 common prison tattoos and their generally understood meanings:
- Teardrop – Often seen under the eye, a teardrop tattoo can signify that the wearer has killed someone, or has lost a loved one while incarcerated.
- Spiderweb – A tattoo of a spiderweb usually means the wearer has spent a significant amount of time in prison and has become institutionalized.
- Barbed wire – This tattoo is often placed on the wrists, arms, or neck, and signifies that the wearer has been incarcerated before or has a long sentence.
- Five dots – A tattoo of five dots in a row can represent the five pillars of Islam or signify the wearer has been in prison for a long time.
- Three dots – The tattoo stands for ‘My Crazy Life’. It means the wearer is involved with some gangster lifestyle commonly connected with Mexican Mafia.
- Clock with no hands – A tattoo of a clock with no hands is a symbol of time served, often with the hands removed to show that the wearer has no control over their own time.
- Cross – A cross tattoo can signify that the wearer is religious or has found God while in prison.
- Swastika – A tattoo of a swastika is a symbol of white supremacy or neo-Nazism.
- Playing cards – A tattoo of playing cards can signify that the wearer is a gambler or is willing to take risks.
- Dollar sign – A tattoo of a dollar sign often signifies that the wearer was involved in illegal activities related to money.
- Skull – A tattoo of a skull is often seen on prisoners who have committed murder or have a violent past.
- Dragon – A tattoo of a dragon can signify that the wearer is fierce and powerful.
- Snake – A tattoo of a snake is often associated with drug trafficking or dealing.
- Star of David – A tattoo of the Star of David is often seen on Jewish prisoners and signifies their faith.
- Playboy bunny – A tattoo of the Playboy bunny signifies that the wearer is sexually promiscuous.
- Crown – A tattoo of a crown can signify that the wearer is a leader or has a high status among prisoners.
- Lightning bolt – A tattoo of a lightning bolt can signify that the wearer has been in prison for a long time or has been struck by lightning.
- Scorpion – A tattoo of a scorpion can signify that the wearer is dangerous and should not be messed with.
- Eye of Horus – A tattoo of the Eye of Horus is often seen on prisoners who follow Egyptian mythology and represents protection.
- Prison bars – A tattoo of prison bars is a symbol of confinement and imprisonment.
- RIP – A tattoo of RIP (Rest in Peace) often signifies that the wearer has lost a loved one, either in or out of prison.
- EWMN – It reveals to fellow prisoners whom they are dealing with – ‘Evil, Wicked, Mean, and Nasty’.
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In the past, prison tattooing was often done using makeshift equipment, such as homemade tattoo guns made from items like electric toothbrushes or guitar strings.
Because of the unsanitary conditions and lack of proper sterilization techniques, prison tattoos were risky and could lead to infections or other health complications.
Today, you can buy temporary gangster and prison tattoos without going to prison!
