Tattoos have become more and more popular over the past several decades. If we’re not already there, we’ll soon get to a point where it’s more strange to meet someone without tattoos than with them.
That said, not all tattoos are whimsical, sweet, or planted because of deep personal meaning. Some are meant to brand a person, and for the rest of us, it’s important to know what we’re looking at when they do.
These 4 tattoos signal things that could mean you should walk away – and fast.
4. EWMN
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The letters aren’t random – they stand for “Evil, Wicked, Mean, Nasty,” which you know – aren’t the way most of us would choose to describe ourselves.
It’s not associated with any particular group of bad folks, but you will see it more often among ex-convicts who are proud of their past and not interested in reform.
3. A cross on the chest.
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This is very popular in Russian prisons, and is said to symbolize a “Prince of Thieves.” That’s the highest rank a convict can achieve on the inside and typically given only to the higher-ups in the mafia.
There are also variations, like bells (that symbolize freedom) and tigers (a symbol of aggression toward the police).
2. Three dots.
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Another common prison tattoo, these dots represent “mi vida loca.” It means “my crazy life” in Spanish, and is associated with the gang lifestyle in general.
You’ll typically see it on someone’s hands or around the eyes, but be careful – some devout Christians, unaware of the tattoo’s “other” meaning, use the dots to represent the holy trinity.
1. The numbers 14 and 88.
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These numbers tattooed anywhere on someone’s body represents an association with white supremacy groups – something most of us would like to avoid.
The 14 represents this quote from Na*i leader David Lane: “We must secure the existence of our people and a future for White Children.”
The 88 is shorthand for “Heil Hi**er,” as H is the 8th letter of the alphabet.
Wow, I had no idea. I wonder whether people ever get these on accident or whether tattoo artists would make sure they were aware.
Are there other tattoos we should be leery of running into? If we’re missing some, please drop some knowledge on us in the comments!
