Tattoos have always had symbolic meaning for both the wearer and the society in which they live. As the popularity of tattoos has skyrocketed, much of the original tattoo symbolism has been forgotten. This has allowed its symbolism to remain practically intact.

The under-eye teardrop tattoo dates back to at least the 1960s and its symbolism varies depending on its location on the face and whether the teardrop is full or empty. An empty tear usually symbolizes that the wearer has lost a loved one and is permanently crying, but the empty tear can also symbolize a yearning for revenge. If this revenge is carried out in the form of murder, the teardrop tattoo is filled in.

It is also placed under the eye, but with a less cryptic meaning, a dollar sign. The dollar sign symbolizes that money is all that the user can see. The symbol began appearing in the early 1990s and is most often seen on gang members in the South, although the tattoo has crossed over and is now used by various artists.

A little known use for a cross tattoo design is to place it directly between the eyebrows on the bridge of the nose. This symbol, which started in New Orleans, symbolizes that the wearer has committed at least five murders. Only worn by experienced killers, this tattoo design has not become the mainstream tattoo.