Tattoo Meanings {T}

Teardrop - These are a common prison style tattoo denoting 'served time' or the fact that the wearer may have killed a person.

Three Dots - This form of tattoo is mostly associated with gang membership and is done on the hand between the forefinger and thumb.

Triple Seven - Usually depicted as a gaming machine where it symbolizes lucky fortune.

Thunderbird - A mythical bird in the Native American tradition known for its power because of its ability to create thunder from its wings. Its most common appearance is with outstretched wings or in a Haida style from the Pacific Northwest of the United States.

Tiger - Tigers are a common style of tattoo for many reasons. It is known for both its beauty and strength. Because of the distinctive coloring of a tiger it makes for a very good tattoo. It can be done in many styles but by far the most common depiction is the Chinese style of tiger which it was believed to be the opposite of the dragon and often appears alongside it.

Tiki - Tikis originate from Maori culture in New Zealand. They are depicted like statues carved in wooden blocks not dissimilar to Native American Totems.

Tomahawk - A weapon of the Native Americans used in battle and known for scalping the white invaders. It is a popular tattoo symbol for those interested in Native American history and culture.

Totem Pole - A carved block of wood representing ties to a Native Americans 'power animals' or spirit guides. They can be many variations of animals such as bird, bear, and coyote. They can also tell a story as well as be a protective symbol. Many males get totems tattooed on their arms even though they are not natives.

Toucan - Toucans are tropical birds from Central and South America recognizable from their almost cartoon-like appearance of large beak and vivid colors.

Treble Clef - A musical note also known as 'G Clef' because the swirly part wraps around the line that indicates the note G on the staff. It is a common tattoo amongst those with musical talents.

Tribal - Tribal tattoos are still hugely popular and have evolved into a style called neo-tribal which takes elements from other cultures such as those of the Pacific Islands.
To read more about Tribal Tattoos , click here.

Triskelion - This is an ancient symbol common to Greek and Celtic cultures. It literally means 'three legged' in Greek. It has been found on Greek shields and also found on Irish burial tombs. It was later adopted by the early Christian church to represent the Holy Trinity.

Turtle - Turtles are known for their long life and slow and steady pace. They can also mean protection as the turtle uses his hard shell.