Teardrop tattoo It's one of the most recognized prison tattoos around. In some places, the tattoo can mean a lengthy prison sentence, while in others it signifies that the wearer has committed murder. If the teardrop is just an outline, it can symbolize an attempted murder.

In some societies, the lines represent the three stages of a woman's life: maiden, mother, and crone. In others, the lines stand for the three elements of nature: earth, air, and water. And in still others, the tattoo is seen as a protective charm against evil spirits.

Named after the rather dubious idea that only 3% of colonists rose up against the British during the American Revolution, the "III%ers" are a paramilitary group that aims to resist intervention by the Federal government in local affairs.

“M” on the right shoulder and a stylized “S” indicate MS membership, Laughing and crying clown faces or masks tattooed on the body represent “Laugh now, cry later”, associated with the gang lifestyle. The figure on the left depicts the “devil's horns”, a symbol adopted by and associated with MS-13 gang members.