The tear tattoo is a symbolic tattoo that is place underneath one's eye to create the impression that the individual is crying. Also symbolic of crying your problems away. This tattoo has multiple, regionally-variant meanings. Its usage is known to have originated in the Chicano gangs of California. 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. These meanings can be combined to mean that the person has killed to avenge a dead comrade. Other times, it can stand for the number of years one has been in prison, or the serving of more than one prison term; or be symbolic of someone's attempt to murder the wearer. In the UK a tear tattoo signifies being in borstal (young offenders prison).