Decorative, symbolic, or just aesthetic statements can be found in tattoos. People choose to purchase them for a variety of reasons, including as self-expression, symbolic meaning in their culture or religion, remembering a special occasion or a loved one, or just because they like art. Even though tattoos have been around for a while, certain cultures still view them as forbidden.
Some tattoos are associated with particular gangs and may feature images, numbers, or symbols that are significant to that organization. They can be used to threaten other gangs or law enforcement, show support for a particular gang, or communicate position or rank inside the organization.
Here’s a list of common gang tattoos to look out for.
The numerals “14” and “88” are often utilized as tattoos by members of organizations like the Aryan Brotherhood and are frequently linked to white nationalist and Neo-Nazi ideas.
Typically connected with prison culture, the spiderweb tattoo is a motif generally tattooed on the elbow or occasionally the neck. In certain instances, it may stand for a period of incarceration, with each piece of the web denoting a year.
Naturally, a criminal past has nothing to do with every spiderweb tattoo. A few owners just adore the pattern.
Depending on the bearer and the cultural setting, a teardrop tattoo can have a variety of meanings, but it is typically connected to criminal behavior and can indicate involvement in violent crimes, including murder.
The tattoo “Three Dots” may stand for “mi vida loca,” which is Spanish for “my crazy life,” and might allude to a relationship with gang culture or a life of crime. Moreover, it can represent the idea of “seeing no evil, hearing no evil, speaking no evil.”
A tattoo consisting of five dots placed in a square formation—four dots forming the corners and one dot in the center—is called a “quincunx.” It may be connected to prison culture, where it might represent several facets of an offender’s life.
The “MS” tattoo often stands for “Mara Salvatrucha,” better known as MS-13, a prominent and highly organized criminal gang originating from El Salvador. Members of the gang or those connected to it frequently get the “MS” tattoo as a symbol of their allegiance or connection.
While it makes sense to be wary of people with tattoos connected to criminal organizations, it’s important to keep in mind that not all of these people are actively participating in criminal activity and that we shouldn’t base our opinions only on outward appearance.
