What does barbed wire mean?

**Reba** · 07-24-2006, 08:14 AM

I often see the barbed wire design on jewelry, tatoos, clothing, pictures, etc. What does it mean?

PowerWCRulez · 07-24-2006, 08:44 AM

Barbed wires just like top of prison's fences an inmates attempts to escape, it's ripped the inmate's clothes and wounds.

**Reba** · 07-24-2006, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PowerWCRulez

Barbed wires just like top of prison's fences an inmates attempts to escape, it's ripped the inmate's clothes and wounds.

So, if someone wears barbed wire emblems it means they support prisoners?

Sorry, I don't fully understand.

07-24-2006, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

So, if someone wears barbed wire emblems it means they support prisoners?

Sorry, I don't fully understand.

Freethinkers with barbed wire tattos has been stuck with Republicans for lifetime....

**Reba** · 07-24-2006, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mookie

Freethinkers with barbed wire tattos has been stuck with Republicans for lifetime....

Does that mean it's an anti-Republican symbol?

Freaky Cat · 07-24-2006, 09:51 AM

I wondered about that, too? I am surprised I am not the only one who wondered what it means? LOL..

I found this info..

Barbed wire has been reported as a tool for human torture. When used as a whip it causes deep lacerations and severe bleeding.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbed_wire

i dunno? pains?? hmm.. not sure..

07-24-2006, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

Does that mean it's an anti-Republican symbol?

Yep, it may sound like....

Nope, I was just kidding you....

That is not a prison tattoo since it must show "chains".

http://www.tattoodesign.com/gallery/

Reba, you may need to visit the gang bars in your county. The fellas would not hurt you if you inquire...if you change your mind, contact your old army buddies...

**Reba** · 07-24-2006, 10:02 AM

I know what real barbed wire is and its uses. (Also, razer wire, concertina wire, etc.) I was just curious about the symbolism , and why people want to wear that image. I see it printed on all kinds of merchandise, so I was wondering what it meant.

For example, everyone knows that the "peace" symbol (broken upside-down cross inside a circle) represents anti-war support. The "fish" symbol means Christian. So, various symbols have popular meanings.

I'm just behind the times and don't know the barbed wire meaning.

Freaky Cat · 07-24-2006, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

I know what real barbed wire is and its uses. (Also, razer wire, concertina wire, etc.) I was just curious about the symbolism , and why people want to wear that image. I see it printed on all kinds of merchandise, so I was wondering what it meant.

For example, everyone knows that the "peace" symbol (broken upside-down cross inside a circle) represents anti-war support. The "fish" symbol means Christian. So, various symbols have popular meanings.

I'm just behind the times and don't know the barbed wire meaning.

i know you do.. but i found information on that link that it was used as torture pains so thinking its for pains? or something?? i dont know..

**Reba** · 07-24-2006, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mookie

...
That is not a prision tattoo since it must show "chains".

http://www.tattoodesign.com/gallery/

Thanks for the explanation.

Quote:

Reba, you may need to visit the gang bars in your county.

I'm not THAT curious! Ha, ha!

Quote:

...if you change your mind, contact your old army buddies...

I don't have "old army buddies"; I have "old Navy (and some Marine) shipmates".

Anyway, none of them have those tatoos.

**Reba** · 07-24-2006, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmileyGin

i know you do.. but i found information on that link that it was used as torture pains so thinking its for pains? or something?? i dont know..

Maybe.

That's kind of depressing.

darkangel8603 · 07-24-2006, 10:25 AM

Barbwire Tattoo Designs
a tattoo design that first came out of prison culture, was adopted in Latino culture in Southern California, was then co-opted by modern tribal tattoo genre artists and then wildly popularized by Pamela Anderson! An interesting evolution for a tattoo design. Popular with both men and women, especially for arm bands. The definition of barbwire is: strong wire with barbs at regular intervals used to prevent passage.
http://www.vanishingtattoo.com/tatto..._symbols_b.htm

Freaky Cat · 07-24-2006, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

Maybe.

That's kind of depressing.

Yep I agree.. sigh..

**Reba** · 07-24-2006, 10:32 AM

This is one example of what I mean:

guido · 07-24-2006, 10:44 AM

Really, there is no symbolism. People just think it looks tuff.

Fo'Shizzle · 07-24-2006, 11:32 AM

Barbed wire means is a type of fencing wire constructed with sharp edges or points arranged at intervals along the strand(s). It is used to construct inexpensive fences and also on walls surrounding secured property. A person or animal trying to pass through or over barbed wire will suffer discomfort and possibly injury. Barbed wire fencing requires only fenceposts, wire and fixing devices such as staples. It is simple to construct and quick to erect by a skilled, or even an unskilled fencer.

[IMG]is a type of fencing wire constructed with sharp edges or points arranged at intervals along the strand(s). It is used to construct inexpensive fences and also on walls surrounding secured property. A person or animal trying to pass through or over barbed wire will suffer discomfort and possibly injury. Barbed wire fencing requires only fenceposts, wire and fixing devices such as staples. It is simple to construct and quick to erect by a skilled, or even an unskilled fencer.[/IMG]

"Barbed Wire" Motorcycle Biker Skull Black T-Shirt Tee"

Nipple Rings - 14 gauge Barbed Wire

Black BARBED WIRE Thermal L/XL GOTH

BEEFY STERLING SILVER BARBED WIRE SPINNING RING size 7

There are tons of things that are barbed wired, As you see you there are some links that I posted so check them out....

***VamPyroX*** · 07-24-2006, 11:56 AM

I don't think that there is any real meaning behind the barbed wire. Some people get it because it looks cool. Some get it and have it look like it's bleeding for a "cooler" effect. Some get it because it represents toughness. It could be anything. I think the best person to ask would be the person who got the barbed wire tattoo.

**Reba** · 07-24-2006, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VamPyroX

...I think the best person to ask would be the person who got the barbed wire tattoo.

I don't personally know anyone with the tatoo; I've only seen pictures, or passersby with it. I have seen products in stores with the barbed wire pictures (like on T shirts). I was just wondering why it was popular, if it had some kind of cultural meaning.

I might be approaching senility but I don't want to be totally clueless!

Fo'Shizzle · 07-24-2006, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

I don't personally know anyone with the tatoo; I've only seen pictures, or passersby with it. I have seen products in stores with the barbed wire pictures (like on T shirts). I was just wondering why it was popular, if it had some kind of cultural meaning.

I might be approaching senility but I don't want to be totally clueless!

Maybe it's a new style for teenagers or whoever likes Babred Wired? I honestly don't know much about barbed wired since Im not into it.. Maybe it's a style thingy?? Who knows lol

07-24-2006, 03:24 PM

Its for keeping the cows in

Levonian · 07-24-2006, 03:52 PM

This is just a WAG (Wild Assed Guess), but it probably just symbolizes perceived oppression of any sort, be it from parents, school, society in general, etc. It just means ‘I wish I could do whatever I wanted without anybody trying to stop me’. I’ll Google it up and see if I can’t come up with something a little more salient. Perhaps it has some significance with the Aryan prison/crystal meth subculture, I don’t know. Maybe Taylor could shed some light on this, if it’s true. An excellent place to ask this type of question is the Straight Dope Message Board. There’s an annual $15 membership fee, however.

MyBlueEyes05 · 07-24-2006, 04:05 PM

We got all the pieces,HD just has to put it back togeather. The other thing in this picture is some rolls of barbed wire. I was tickled to get this, we can make barbed wire balls, like this ...

JeepGirl · 07-24-2006, 04:13 PM

IMO, I used to think or thought Barb-wire tattoos was a symbol as being stubborn, tough, hard-headed, etc. For those who may have a barb wire tattoo has been thru thick and thin all their lives, whether it was good or bad... they think of it as being tough and stubborn and still standing.

Some people just think barbwire tattoos are cool and awesome because of the looks and the popularity of it.

think of it like thorns on a rose. what do people see with thorns on a rose? from what I've heard is the same as i explained about barb wire symbols. if you see thorns, how do you hold it? some people would just hold on to it and let it poke and bleed. that's another symbol of showing how tough they can be and have no fear.

like i said.. its my opinion and from what i've learned about it. my families are a very very strong tattoo freaks.

***VamPyroX*** · 07-24-2006, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

I don't personally know anyone with the tatoo; I've only seen pictures, or passersby with it. I have seen products in stores with the barbed wire pictures (like on T shirts). I was just wondering why it was popular, if it had some kind of cultural meaning.

I might be approaching senility but I don't want to be totally clueless!

Well, you aren't being clueless. I have friends who think differently of barbed wire images. I asked around and here are the responses that I got...

"Oh yeah, Pamela Anderson had that in the movie Barb Wire!"

"I think it looks cool. It's even better if it looked like it was piercing the arm and bleeding."

"I dunno. I guess it makes you look tough?"

"Eww... Pamela Anderson got one. Why do I need one?"

"Barbed wire tattoo? I guess it would be good for people who want to go for the 'punk' look."

07-24-2006, 08:11 PM

I noticed many gay and lesbians wear the barbed wire tattoo also if you have that type of tattoo then the cops will think you are a ex-convict and in addition to that, possibly a violent homosexual felon too.

My advice: Don't get the barbed wire tatoo unless you want many run-ins with homosexuals or run-ins with the police also people heavy into the drug trade have been seen with no shirt on wearing the barbed wire tattoo. This is usually not around the arm biceps and the durg dealers usually have a combination of barbed wire and steel chains across their tattooed chest or on their backs.

Soonersseth · 07-24-2006, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyE

I noticed many gay and lesbians wear the barbed wire tattoo also if you have that type of tattoo then the cops will think you are a ex-convict and in addition to that, possibly a violent homosexual felon too.

My advice: Don't get the barbed wire tatoo unless you want many run-ins with homosexuals or run-ins with the police also people heavy into the drug trade have been seen with no shirt on wearing the barbed wire tattoo. This is usually not around the arm biceps and the durg dealers usually have a combination of barbed wire and steel chains across their tattooed chest or on their backs.

barbwire has nothing to do with sexual prefrence

07-24-2006, 08:55 PM

Then why do many of the glbt folks have the barbed wire?

**Reba** · 07-24-2006, 08:59 PM

Thanks to everyone for your responses.

Some very interesting viewpoints and ideas!

Dennis · 07-24-2006, 09:11 PM

The barbed wire tattoo is gotten for 3 reasons only:

1) Coolness / fit in. Others have the barbed wire on their arm or leg or wherever, and thus it looks cool. It allows you to circle your arm or leg with a pattern, like a tribal marking.

2) Trying to say you're tough/badass/hardcore/insane. Movies have been done with villans wearing barbed wire or razor wire as part of their ensemble, giving a visual reference to just "how tough" they are. They like to be able to flex their arm or leg to make the tattoo look bigger or look like the arm is pressing against the wire. The blood or painful looking parts of it are the person's way of saying they think they're tough and probably could stand REAL barbed wire wrapped up against their skin.

3) It's cheap/easy/convenient to get that kind of tattoo. It's not a complicated pattern. There's not a lot of color. Someone could do it in a heartbeat. If you don't know any better, or don't care, a barbed wire tattoo is just as good as a real piece of body art.

Taylor · 07-26-2006, 01:21 AM

I think Dennis and Levonian are pretty close to the things that I have read (I keep up on tat's for my own as well as gang related tats for work).

I asked a couple of tattoo artists I know about this (thanks for a great question Reba). The general consensus I got was that years ago, sailors (mainly merchant marines) would tattoo their life experiences on their arms. I believe this became somewhat of a trend in other walks of life and those in prison began doing something similar, including barbed wire. Over time, it became 'trendy' for others to get them and so it spread. Now, its often college students with them that have had served no time in prison. Its pretty much lost its image and is no longer associated with prison life, therefore has no general symbolism in today's society

Personally I find that barbed wire tattoos are kind of tacky. If you are going to take the time to get a tat, at least get some artwork or something meaningful to you.

It is kind of one of the issues that I have with tribal designs. I was fairly young when I got my first tribal tattoo, and have gotten a few more over the years. I'm working on a decent sized tribal tat right now (and some AD members will be helping me design it). The problem I have is that that tribal's have now become that trendy barbed wire. The design I'm working on is personal to me and is based off of my own roots. I won't go into a tattoo shop and pick a tribal design off of the wall.

I read somewhere that barbed wire tats started a very long time ago. Another source said it actually started in Russian prison camps and later spread to the rest of the world.

07-24-2006, 08:14 AM	#1 (permalink)
Reba Granny Terp Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: South Carolina Posts: 39,108	What does barbed wire mean? I often see the barbed wire design on jewelry, tatoos, clothing, pictures, etc. What does it mean?

07-24-2006, 08:44 AM	#2 (permalink)
PowerWCRulez Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Minneapolis, MN, USA Posts: 1,151 Blog Entries: 3	Barbed wires just like top of prison's fences an inmates attempts to escape, it's ripped the inmate's clothes and wounds. __________________ [] Upt'd: 6/1/2011 - Samsung Intercept is here! [] [] Avatar Pic: Ride on the bus [] Ubuntu Linux [] [] [AstroSpace DeepSpace LTD [] [] Personal Web & Scammer Alert List [] Wheelchairjunkie [] [] Xbox 360 Achievement Site [] Xbox Deaf Gamers Group [] - [] System Owned: [] [] 3-25-2011 MacBook Pro / 17" HDWS LED / i7 Core / 750GB HD / 4 GB Ram [] -- [] Playstation 3 [] PSN Gamercards

07-24-2006, 09:51 AM	#6 (permalink)
Freaky Cat Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Central ArKaNsAs Posts: 10,221	I wondered about that, too? I am surprised I am not the only one who wondered what it means? LOL.. I found this info.. Barbed wire has been reported as a tool for human torture. When used as a whip it causes deep lacerations and severe bleeding. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbed_wire i dunno? pains?? hmm.. not sure.. __________________ When you miss me just look up to the night sky and remember, I'm like a star; sometimes you can't see me, but I'm always there! Freaky Cat's Blog

07-24-2006, 11:32 AM	#16 (permalink)
Fo'Shizzle Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Why you want to know! Posts: 2,124	Barbed wire means is a type of fencing wire constructed with sharp edges or points arranged at intervals along the strand(s). It is used to construct inexpensive fences and also on walls surrounding secured property. A person or animal trying to pass through or over barbed wire will suffer discomfort and possibly injury. Barbed wire fencing requires only fenceposts, wire and fixing devices such as staples. It is simple to construct and quick to erect by a skilled, or even an unskilled fencer. [IMG]is a type of fencing wire constructed with sharp edges or points arranged at intervals along the strand(s). It is used to construct inexpensive fences and also on walls surrounding secured property. A person or animal trying to pass through or over barbed wire will suffer discomfort and possibly injury. Barbed wire fencing requires only fenceposts, wire and fixing devices such as staples. It is simple to construct and quick to erect by a skilled, or even an unskilled fencer.[/IMG] "Barbed Wire" Motorcycle Biker Skull Black T-Shirt Tee" Nipple Rings - 14 gauge Barbed Wire Black BARBED WIRE Thermal L/XL GOTH BEEFY STERLING SILVER BARBED WIRE SPINNING RING size 7 There are tons of things that are barbed wired, As you see you there are some links that I posted so check them out.... __________________

07-24-2006, 11:56 AM	#17 (permalink)
*VamPyroX* bloody phreak from hell Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: 40.18, 58.41 Posts: 34,136	I don't think that there is any real meaning behind the barbed wire. Some people get it because it looks cool. Some get it and have it look like it's bleeding for a "cooler" effect. Some get it because it represents toughness. It could be anything. I think the best person to ask would be the person who got the barbed wire tattoo. __________________ Check out my city... C L I C K H E R E! (If you've already visited yesterday, visit again today!)

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07-24-2006, 10:02 AM	#8 (permalink)
Reba Granny Terp Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: South Carolina Posts: 39,108	I know what real barbed wire is and its uses. (Also, razer wire, concertina wire, etc.) I was just curious about the symbolism , and why people want to wear that image. I see it printed on all kinds of merchandise, so I was wondering what it meant. For example, everyone knows that the "peace" symbol (broken upside-down cross inside a circle) represents anti-war support. The "fish" symbol means Christian. So, various symbols have popular meanings. I'm just behind the times and don't know the barbed wire meaning.

07-24-2006, 10:25 AM	#12 (permalink)
darkangel8603 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 1,446	Barbwire Tattoo Designs a tattoo design that first came out of prison culture, was adopted in Latino culture in Southern California, was then co-opted by modern tribal tattoo genre artists and then wildly popularized by Pamela Anderson! An interesting evolution for a tattoo design. Popular with both men and women, especially for arm bands. The definition of barbwire is: strong wire with barbs at regular intervals used to prevent passage. http://www.vanishingtattoo.com/tatto..._symbols_b.htm

07-24-2006, 10:44 AM	#15 (permalink)
guido Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 1,119	Really, there is no symbolism. People just think it looks tuff.

07-24-2006, 03:24 PM	#20 (permalink)
Buckdodgers Guest Posts: n/a	Its for keeping the cows in

07-24-2006, 03:52 PM	#21 (permalink)
Levonian Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Research facility. Posts: 3,913	This is just a WAG (Wild Assed Guess), but it probably just symbolizes perceived oppression of any sort, be it from parents, school, society in general, etc. It just means ‘I wish I could do whatever I wanted without anybody trying to stop me’. I’ll Google it up and see if I can’t come up with something a little more salient. Perhaps it has some significance with the Aryan prison/crystal meth subculture, I don’t know. Maybe Taylor could shed some light on this, if it’s true. An excellent place to ask this type of question is the Straight Dope Message Board. There’s an annual $15 membership fee, however.

07-24-2006, 04:13 PM	#23 (permalink)
JeepGirl Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: In the South Posts: 6,364	IMO, I used to think or thought Barb-wire tattoos was a symbol as being stubborn, tough, hard-headed, etc. For those who may have a barb wire tattoo has been thru thick and thin all their lives, whether it was good or bad... they think of it as being tough and stubborn and still standing. Some people just think barbwire tattoos are cool and awesome because of the looks and the popularity of it. think of it like thorns on a rose. what do people see with thorns on a rose? from what I've heard is the same as i explained about barb wire symbols. if you see thorns, how do you hold it? some people would just hold on to it and let it poke and bleed. that's another symbol of showing how tough they can be and have no fear. like i said.. its my opinion and from what i've learned about it. my families are a very very strong tattoo freaks. __________________ ""When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us""

07-24-2006, 08:11 PM	#25 (permalink)
JohnnyE Guest Posts: n/a	I noticed many gay and lesbians wear the barbed wire tattoo also if you have that type of tattoo then the cops will think you are a ex-convict and in addition to that, possibly a violent homosexual felon too. My advice: Don't get the barbed wire tatoo unless you want many run-ins with homosexuals or run-ins with the police also people heavy into the drug trade have been seen with no shirt on wearing the barbed wire tattoo. This is usually not around the arm biceps and the durg dealers usually have a combination of barbed wire and steel chains across their tattooed chest or on their backs.

07-24-2006, 08:55 PM	#27 (permalink)
JohnnyE Guest Posts: n/a	Then why do many of the glbt folks have the barbed wire?

07-24-2006, 08:59 PM	#28 (permalink)
Reba Granny Terp Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: South Carolina Posts: 39,108	Thanks to everyone for your responses. Some very interesting viewpoints and ideas!

07-24-2006, 09:11 PM	#29 (permalink)
Dennis Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Death Star HQ Posts: 1,858	The barbed wire tattoo is gotten for 3 reasons only: 1) Coolness / fit in. Others have the barbed wire on their arm or leg or wherever, and thus it looks cool. It allows you to circle your arm or leg with a pattern, like a tribal marking. 2) Trying to say you're tough/badass/hardcore/insane. Movies have been done with villans wearing barbed wire or razor wire as part of their ensemble, giving a visual reference to just "how tough" they are. They like to be able to flex their arm or leg to make the tattoo look bigger or look like the arm is pressing against the wire. The blood or painful looking parts of it are the person's way of saying they think they're tough and probably could stand REAL barbed wire wrapped up against their skin. 3) It's cheap/easy/convenient to get that kind of tattoo. It's not a complicated pattern. There's not a lot of color. Someone could do it in a heartbeat. If you don't know any better, or don't care, a barbed wire tattoo is just as good as a real piece of body art.

07-26-2006, 01:21 AM	#30 (permalink)
Taylor Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,631	I think Dennis and Levonian are pretty close to the things that I have read (I keep up on tat's for my own as well as gang related tats for work). I asked a couple of tattoo artists I know about this (thanks for a great question Reba). The general consensus I got was that years ago, sailors (mainly merchant marines) would tattoo their life experiences on their arms. I believe this became somewhat of a trend in other walks of life and those in prison began doing something similar, including barbed wire. Over time, it became 'trendy' for others to get them and so it spread. Now, its often college students with them that have had served no time in prison. Its pretty much lost its image and is no longer associated with prison life, therefore has no general symbolism in today's society Personally I find that barbed wire tattoos are kind of tacky. If you are going to take the time to get a tat, at least get some artwork or something meaningful to you. It is kind of one of the issues that I have with tribal designs. I was fairly young when I got my first tribal tattoo, and have gotten a few more over the years. I'm working on a decent sized tribal tat right now (and some AD members will be helping me design it). The problem I have is that that tribal's have now become that trendy barbed wire. The design I'm working on is personal to me and is based off of my own roots. I won't go into a tattoo shop and pick a tribal design off of the wall. I read somewhere that barbed wire tats started a very long time ago. Another source said it actually started in Russian prison camps and later spread to the rest of the world.

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