Tattoos have always told stories—but in prison, they can speak volumes. Behind bars, ink isn’t just body art; it’s a powerful form of communication. A single symbol can represent anything from a prisoner’s background and beliefs to their gang affiliation, criminal history, or even how much time they've served. In many cases, these tattoos are earned, not chosen, and one wrong marking can send the wrong message fast.

In this post, we’re taking a deep dive into the fascinating world of prison tattoos: what they mean, how they’re made, and why they matter. From widely recognized symbols like teardrops and spider webs to lesser-known regional and gang-specific tattoos, we’ll explore how ink plays a role in prison identity, status, and survival. Whether you're curious about the culture, brushing up on criminal justice insights, or just love reading about the stories behind the ink, this guide is for you.

How Prison Tattoos Are Made

Prison tattooing is a gritty, DIY art form born from necessity. With no access to proper tattoo machines or sterile environments, inmates get creative—turning everyday items into makeshift tools. Electric razors are stripped down to build tattoo guns, with guitar strings or paper clips used as needles. Ink is often made from burned soot, melted plastic, or pen ink mixed with shampoo or water.

Of course, this underground approach comes with serious risks. Infections are common, and since sterilization is nearly impossible, the chances of transmitting diseases like hepatitis C or HIV are dangerously high. Still, for many inmates, the meaning behind the ink outweighs the risks. Tattoos become a rite of passage, a statement of loyalty, or a deeply personal expression in a place where individuality is hard to hold onto.

Common Prison Tattoo Symbols and Their Meanings

Prison tattoos often serve as a personal resume, displaying a person’s affiliations, beliefs, crimes, or even regrets. While some tattoos have universal meanings, others can vary depending on the prison system or country. Here's a breakdown of the most recognized symbols and what they typically signify:

Teardrop

One of the most infamous prison tattoos. A filled-in teardrop under the eye can mean the wearer has committed murder, while an empty teardrop may indicate a friend or family member was killed and the tattoo is in their memory. In some cases, it simply symbolizes a long prison sentence.

Three Dots (⋅⋅⋅)

Usually found on the hands or near the eyes, this tattoo represents the phrase "Mi Vida Loca" or “My Crazy Life.” It’s not necessarily gang-specific but is often associated with a rebellious lifestyle or involvement in street life.

Five Dots (⚄)

This is not to be confused with the three dots. The five-dot tattoo—typically found on the hand between the thumb and index finger—symbolizes the person (the center dot) being surrounded by prison (the four outer dots). It's used internationally and is often seen in European prisons as well.

Spider Web

Often inked on the elbow, a spider web tattoo can mean a long prison sentence—suggesting the person has been “sitting” in one place for a long time. It’s also associated with white supremacist groups, though not always. Context matters.

Clock With No Hands

This tattoo symbolizes doing "hard time" with no end in sight. It's a haunting representation of a sentence that feels endless or of losing track of time behind bars.

Barbed Wire

Common across many prison systems, barbed wire on the arms or across the forehead is typically used to indicate a life sentence. Every barb can represent a year served or a crime committed, depending on the person.

EWMN (Every Whore Must Die)

A deeply disturbing tattoo that represents extreme misogyny, often linked to certain gangs or individuals with histories of violence against women.

Playing Cards or Dice

Often tattooed by members of gambling rings or those who consider life a game of chance. Specific card suits can have gang-related meanings as well—like the ace of spades symbolizing a willingness to kill or die.

Cross on the Chest

A bold statement usually worn by high-ranking gang members. In Russian prison culture, a chest cross signifies that the wearer is a “thief in law”—a respected elite in the criminal world.

Crown

A five-point crown is the symbol of the Latin Kings, one of the largest Hispanic street gangs in the U.S. Each point may represent a specific value, like love, respect, or loyalty.

Number Tattoos

• 13 – Often associated with the Mexican Mafia (the 13th letter of the alphabet is “M”).
• 14 – Used by white supremacist groups, referring to the “14 Words” slogan.
• 88 – Also tied to neo-Nazi ideology; “H” is the 8th letter, so 88 = “Heil Hitler.”

Names, Initials, or Area Codes

Tattooing a gang’s name, one’s own last name, or a local area code (like 213 or 305) is a way to rep your crew or neighborhood inside. These tattoos act as a permanent badge of loyalty.

Skulls or Grim Reapers

These are common among inmates with violent histories or those who’ve been convicted of murder. A skull surrounded by flames might suggest a “no remorse” mentality or someone who’s fully embraced prison life.

Shamrock / 4-Leaf Clover

Often tied to Irish gangs or white supremacist groups like the Aryan Brotherhood. The meaning can vary, but it’s usually associated with gang affiliation.

Swastikas & Lightning Bolts

Used by white supremacist inmates to indicate hate group membership, these are among the most aggressive and provocative tattoos seen in prison settings.

Crying Clown / Laugh Now, Cry Later Masks

Popular among those involved in gang culture, these represent a “live for today” mindset—one of putting on a brave face while suffering inside.

Regional and Gang-Specific Variations

While many prison tattoos have become recognizable worldwide, their meanings can shift dramatically depending on geography, gang culture, and prison systems. Ink that means one thing in a California state prison could carry an entirely different weight in a Russian penal colony—or even a rival gang across town.

U.S. Prison Tattoos

In the U.S., tattoo symbolism is often deeply tied to gang affiliation. For example:

• The Aryan Brotherhood often uses swastikas, lightning bolts, shamrocks, or the number 666.
• The Mexican Mafia (La Eme) is often represented by the number 13, black handprints, or large script-style “E” tattoos.
• MS-13 members tend to be heavily tattooed, sometimes covering their entire bodies or faces with “MS,” “13,” devil horns, or cryptic symbols.
• Nuestra Familia uses the number 14 (for “N” – the 14th letter) and symbols like sombreros and machetes.
• Black Guerrilla Family may be symbolized by a dragon, crossed sabers, or a prison tower.
  
  

Each symbol can act as both a badge of honor within the group and a warning to outsiders.

Russian Prison Tattoos

Russian prison tattoos have their own extremely complex language—often rich with layers of meaning.

• Stars on the shoulders or knees mean “I bow to no one” and usually denote high criminal status.
• Barbed wire across the forehead signals a life sentence with no possibility of parole.
• A cathedral or church with domes (each dome representing a conviction) is common for long-time convicts.
• Eyes on the chest might mean “I’m watching you” (especially among enforcers or lookouts).
• Spiders or spider webs in Russian prisons often mean criminal activity—with the spider crawling upward indicating an active criminal life, and crawling downward symbolizing withdrawal from crime.
  
  

In Russia, tattoos are not taken lightly—they’re coded language, and misrepresenting one can result in punishment or worse.

Latin America & Beyond

In places like El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico, tattoos often link directly to gang life—especially with notorious groups like MS-13 or Barrio 18. These tattoos can be extremely elaborate, often covering the face, neck, and scalp. Having these visible markings often makes reintegration after prison nearly impossible, and in some countries, they’ve even been outlawed due to gang crackdowns.

Women in Prison

While men dominate the narrative around prison tattoos, female inmates also use ink to express their identity. Common themes include roses, broken hearts, children’s names, and symbols of lost love or betrayal. In some systems, tattoos can indicate the type of crimes committed, such as drug use or prostitution, though this varies by region and institution.

Prison tattoo meanings can also shift over time, depending on what becomes “cool” or widely recognized in pop culture, music, or social media. Some inmates even adopt popular symbols without knowing their full significance—leading to serious misunderstandings inside.

What These Tattoos Tell Us About Prison Life and Culture

Prison tattoos aren't just ink—they’re identity, survival, expression, and sometimes even a form of silent rebellion. In a world where individuality is stripped away and every move is monitored, tattoos can speak volumes without saying a word. Whether signaling loyalty to a gang, mourning a loss, or claiming a reputation, these markings become a coded language understood only by those who’ve lived it.

Understanding the meaning behind prison tattoos provides a glimpse into the culture and hierarchy that exists behind bars. It’s a world with its own rules, values, and consequences—and even the smallest tattoo can carry a weight that lasts far beyond release.

At Aaron Delgado & Associates, we believe that everyone deserves to be seen as more than just a case number or a stereotype. Whether you're facing criminal charges, dealing with the aftermath of incarceration, or just trying to understand the justice system a little better, our experienced legal team is here to help. We’re not just lawyers—we’re fierce advocates who believe in second chances, fair representation, and helping people move forward.