Tear tattoo

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The tear tattoo is a symbolic tattoo that is placed underneath one's eye to create the impression that the individual is crying. This tattoo has multiple, regionally-variant meanings. However, its usage is known to have originated in the Chicano gangs of California.^{[citation needed]} Often, it signifies that an individual has killed another person, particularly while in prison; at other times, it means that a family member, friend, or fellow gang member has died or been killed. Other times, it can stand for the amount of years one has been in prison.^{[citation needed]}