These Insane Explanations Behind The Meanings of Prison Tattoos Are Pretty Scary

Prison tattoos can look simple at first glance, but a lot of them carry meanings that most people would never guess. In this gallery, the ink is not just decoration, it can signal violence, gang ties, time served, or a reputation that follows someone long after the prison gates close.

That is what makes these designs so unsettling, because a tiny symbol on skin can hint at a much bigger story. Some of the tattoos here are famous in prison culture, while others are the kind of thing you would only understand if someone explained the code.

By the end, the meanings get darker than the artwork itself.

1. Purpose

While frequently those with tattoos have ink all over, prison tattoos with meaning often stand out for a reason: it's important that the message gets across.Barney Frank

2. Stomach Eyes

This one might seem a bit unusual, but we'll explain. Tattooed eyes on the lower stomach signify that the owner is homosexual. How, you ask? Well, because... when they're, uh, pants-less... it... looks like a face.The Guardian

3. Iconic

Okay, to be fair, few people haven't heard about the meaning of a teardrop tattoo. It symbolizes that the owner has killed someone. This is, however, a pretty important one since you certainly would want to know if the person you're standing next to has committed murder or not.Tumblr

4. Shamrock

No, it's not about Irish heritage. The otherwise adorable shamrock has been adopted by white supremacists, so a prisoner proudly wearing one belongs to one of their gangs.Imgur

5. Outlined Tear-Drop

The unfinished teardrop is not as famous as its more well-known counterpart (the teardrop). An unfinished teardrop means that the owner is still on a mission for murder. When the day comes that they're successful, it will be filled in.Huff Post

6. Spider Webs

Spider webs may be popular far and wide, but for former prisoners, they signify that one has served time. The larger the spider web, the longer the person has previously served.tattoodo

This reminds us of the bizarre visual “proofs” in 81 anomalies that make normal logic fall apart.

7. "ACAB"

It means: All Cops Are Bastards. It goes back to the British penal system, and if you're boasting this ink while under arrest, we doubt you'll be treated any kinder.Riders Digest

8. Watch with NO Hands

The owner of this significant tattoo is serving a very, very long sentence, and for them, time stands still.Miami Ink Design

9. Five Dots

A collection of five dots signifies that one has served prison time.Interesting Crimes

10. Barbed Wire

Like spider web tattoos, many of these in public carry virtually no meaning and just sort of look cool, but for a prisoner? Each barb represents a year served.Radikal

11. Dagger... Through the Neck

Traditionally a Russian symbol on a prisoner's body, it sends a strong message that the wearer is both not afraid to take a life and... available for hire. These are definitely for scary individuals.Daily Mail

12. "EWMN"

Evil, Wicked, Mean, Nasty.Police

13. 3 Dots... Near the Eye

Three dots in this location signify “Mi Vida Loca,” and are usually worn in the Latin American gang community to indicate gang affiliation.Buzzle

14. Rose With Thorns

Most popular in Asian and Russian communities, a rose with thorns symbolizes that the owner has spent their 18th anniversary in prison. How commemorative.BlogSpot

There's so much hidden darkness in this world. It would be quite hard to fathom that a friend or a relative of yours would ever try to end your life. We see that sort of thing in movies or fake news, but when it's all up in your face, it can really be terrifying. Here are some honest accounts of people who have almost been murdered and managed to make it out alive.

For more family chaos over a hidden ink secret, read whether exposing their sibling’s tattoo to conservative parents made them the AITA.