Tattoos carry a certain impression of the owner because they have a special meaning among some groups of people. Now if you want to keep safe, check out the following most dangerous tattoos and their meanings to avoid getting yourself in trouble, according to the best tattoo artists.

Teardrop

Someone with this prison tattoo under the right eye means that he/she killed or attempted to kill someone. There are also people having the teardrop tattoo to signify a loved one is doing time in prison or had a tragic death.

Its meaning may also vary geographically. For example, if it’s only an outline, it signifies an attempted murder or someone planning to seek revenge for a murdered friend.

Today, many celebrities have popularized the tattoo with different meanings. One of them is Sky Ferreira who got her teardrop tattoo, not on the face but on one of her fingers to honor Lil Wayne who was sent to jail in 2010. The rapper himself has many teardrop tattoos on his face.

Professionals from tattoo shops are sure to tell you that this tattoo might get you into trouble and that it is not for fun.

Ask your artist about a safe tat instead.  People in the criminal world believe that every tattoo is earned.

Three Dots

It’s another dangerous tattoo to have – and has only one meaning “My crazy life” (Mi vida loca). The tat doesn’t really signify something about the life of the owner except it means that he/she broke the law.

It may also mean that the owner has a connection to the criminal world. So unless you want trouble, you should avoid this tattoo.

Five Dots

Another to avoid is the quincunx tattoo because it means prison time.  Its four outside dots represent the four walls of the prison and the one inside represents that the person has served the prison time.

The five dots prison tattoo is famous among European and American inmates who usually have it on their hand between the thumb and forefinger.

If in other parts of the body, it means a connection or association with the “People Nation” gang.

Buddha

It is considered blasphemy to have a god tattoo on the body.  For this same reason, some tourists get themselves into trouble with the police especially in countries where Buddhism is or one of the religions.

Avoid the Buddha tattoo especially if living or traveling to countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka and Myanmar, to name some.  Otherwise, you might end up at a police station.

Clock with no hands

That means doing time by people doing a lot of it because they are serving a longer sentence.  It also means a life sentence or time standing still.

They have the tattoo on their wrist much looking like a wristwatch but without the hands to tell the time.

On the other hand, the face of the clock can also come in forms like a grandfather clock or a wall clock’s face.  But then, take note that not all clock tattoos are linked with serving time in prison.

Aryan Brotherhood

Sometimes called the One-Two, the Alice Baker or the Brand, the tat is associated with a prison gang that is known for its members having many tattoos, including Nazi symbols like SS bolts and other tattoos like “AB,”

The Aryan Brotherhood, which makes up one percent of the total inmate population, is responsible for 20% of all murders committed inside US prisons.

So if you’re interested in getting inked, you should stay away from the Aryan Brotherhood tattoos for your own good.

Playing cards

Each card has its meaning in the criminal world.  So without even saying, having a  tattoo of any playing cards can tell about the criminal,  if they’re a boss, and the prison they’re in.

But if the cards’ meaning has nothing to do with someone’s life, any tattoo with this design can be perceived as a lie by other people.

La Eme

The “M” (La Eme) is the Mexican mafia’s symbol.  This mafia is a Sureño gang that’s a part of an affiliation of gangs in the Southern portion of California. The M is one of the merciless and largest prison gangs allied with the Aryan Brotherhood that shares a common enemy, Nuestra Familia with them.

Final Thoughts

For some people, tattoos hold no significant meaning but not for others who think tattoos are very symbolic.  It is indeed interesting to know and understand the meaning of the most dangerous tattoos.

Hoping this list could help you assess people through their tattoos and ultimately learn about the tattoos to avoid for yourself when consulting tattoo artists for a design.

How many of these tattoos do you already know about? Do you know someone wearing any one of them?