The mysteries hidden behind tattoos in prison

Discover how tattoos can reveal dark stories in the prison universe.

These tattoos, which serve as a kind of identity card for prisoners, can indicate  a criminal past,  gang affiliation, or even acts committed in prison.

Here are  12 tattoos  with disturbing meanings, which are not mere ornaments.

1 : A tear under her ey

Probably one of the most well-known tattoos in prison. It can mean several things:

• A murder committed ( each filled tear would represent a victim ).
• A long prison sentence.
• A revenge in waiting ( if the tear is empty, it will be filled once the revenge is accomplished ).

Many rappers and celebrities have popularized it, but its original meaning remains chilling.

2 : The letters ACAB

Originating in the United Kingdom, this acronym stands for "All Cops Are Bastards " :

• Worn by inmates hostile to law enforcement.
• Associated with certain violent criminal groups.

3 : A watch without hands

This tattoo represents time standing still for prisoners serving long sentences or a life sentence.

• Often tattooed in the form of a wall clock or pocket watch.
• A symbol of resignation in the face of confinement.

4 : The tattooed eyes on the stomach

This motif is found in Russian prisons. It is supposed to indicate that an inmate is homosexual, often against his will.

However, this rumor has not been formally proven.

5 : The five-point cross

This tattoo represents a prison cell:

• The central point symbolizes the prisoner.
• The other four points are the walls of his cell.

Widely used in Europe and the United States, it is often placed between the thumb and forefinger.

6 : The clover

Unlike the Irish lucky charm, this symbol is used by white supremacists in prison, notably by the  Aryan Brotherhood gang.

It represents their extremist ideology and their membership in this criminal group.

7 : The spider web

Often placed on the elbow or neck, it symbolizes a prisoner trapped in their prison environment.  The larger the canvas, the longer the prison sentence.

An inmate usually wears it after several years behind bars.

Note:  a coloured canvas is often purely decorative, because in prison, access to coloured ink is very limited.

8 : The dagger that pierces the neck

Originating in Russian prisons, this tattoo is a clear warning:

• It means that the inmate has already killed someone in prison.
• He also indicates that he is ready to do it again.

Only the most dangerous criminals dare to display this symbol.

9 :  The rose with horns

This tattoo signifies that its wearer has spent 18 years in prison. This is common among Russian and Asian prisoners.

10 :  The letters EWMN

These initials stand for "Evil, Wicked, Mean, Nasty "

An explicit warning about the aggressive nature of the wearer.

11 : Barbed wire

Very common in Russia, it is often tattooed on the forehead or around the arm.

Each  knot of barbed wire  represents a year spent in prison. Placed  on the forehead , it signifies that the prisoner is serving a life sentence, without the possibility of appeal.

12 : The two letters AB

"AB"  is the abbreviation for  Aryan Brotherhood,  an ultra-violent white supremacist gang present in American prisons.

Although they represent only 1% of the prison population in the United States, they are responsible for 20% of prison murders. Their tattoos include swastikas, SS lightning bolts, and Nazi symbols.

13 : The three-dot tattoo

This tattoo, often composed of three dots in a triangle, is frequently found in certain circles, particularly among gang members or some prison groups. It generally symbolizes the motto "Mi Vida Loca" (My crazy life), reflecting an outlaw or rebellious lifestyle.

• Cultural significance:  The three-dot tattoo is often linked to specific cultures, such as gang culture in Latin America and the United States.
• Placement:  This tattoo is often placed visibly on the body, such as on the face, hands, or near the eyes, to signify belonging to a certain group or lifestyle.
• Warning:  In a prison setting or among gangs, seeing someone with this type of tattoo can serve as a signal to understand their identity or affiliations, which could be a warning to non-members to keep their distance.

Tattoos: between aesthetics and criminal symbolism

Although some  tattoos  have lost their original meaning outside of prisons, they remain powerful markers in the prison environment.

A simple motif can tell the story of a criminal, their past and their affiliations.

Before getting  a tattoo , thoroughly research the  meaning  of the chosen design. Some symbols can be misinterpreted and get you into trouble.

What do you think of these tattoos and their meaning? Did you know their origin?