The teardrop tattoo or tear tattoo is a symbolic tattoo that is placed underneath the eye. This tattoo originated with Chicano gangs in California. The meaning was that the wearer had killed someone. Since then, the meaning of the tattoo has, "strayed from its gang roots and is open to meanings." Now, there are various meanings and variations of the teardrop tattoo, which can symbolize losing a loved one or spending time in prison. It is also often used in prison to warn other convicts that the wearer has killed.
