Tattoos are a form of decoration, symbolism, or aesthetic expression. People choose to get tattoos for different reasons, such as self-expression, cultural or religious importance, remembering an event or loved one, or simply because they appreciate art. Despite their long history, tattoos are still considered taboo in certain cultures.

Some tattoos are associated with gangs and may feature particular symbols, numbers, or images that are meaningful to that group. These tattoos are used to show loyalty to a gang, indicate one’s position or importance within the group, or intimidate rival gangs or authorities.

Be cautious of the following common gang tattoos.

The numbers “14” and “88” are often linked to Neo-Nazi and white supremacist beliefs. These numbers are commonly tattooed by members of organizations such as the Aryan Brotherhood.

The spiderweb tattoo is a common design that is usually tattooed on the elbow or occasionally on the neck. It is commonly associated with prison culture. Sometimes, it can represent the amount of time spent in prison, where each part of the web symbolizes a year behind bars.

Not all spiderweb tattoos are related to criminal history. Some individuals get it because they genuinely appreciate the design.

The teardrop tattoo can have different meanings based on the person and culture, but it is commonly linked to criminal behavior and can indicate the person’s participation in violence, especially murder.

“Three Dots” Tattoo may symbolize the phrase “mi vida loca,” which translates to “my crazy life” in Spanish, and can represent a connection to gang culture or a criminal lifestyle. At the same time, it can also symbolize the concept of “hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.”

The five-dot tattoo, known as the “quincunx,” is a tattoo that consists of five dots arranged in a square formation, with four dots forming the corners and one dot in the center. It be associated with prison culture, where it can symbolize various aspects of a criminal’s life.

The “MS” tattoo typically stands for “Mara Salvatrucha,” also known as MS-13, a notorious and highly organized criminal gang originating from El Salvador. The “MS” tattoo is commonly inked on members of the gang or individuals associated with it as a sign of allegiance or affiliation.

It’s natural to be wary of people with tattoos linked to criminal gangs, but it’s important to remember that not all individuals with these tattoos are involved in criminal activities. We should avoid making judgments based solely on appearance.

Please spread the word about this article by sharing it with your loved ones on Facebook.