What does 14 tattoo on neck mean? An in-depth look at extremist and gang Number Code tattoos

As an avid gamer and streaming enthusiast, I‘m fascinated by tattoos and the stories behind them. Body art has become incredibly popular in recent years, especially as video game and streaming culture normalize self-expression through ink.

However, some tattoos carry deeper meanings beyond just aesthetics. Recently I became curious about the notorious "14" and "88" tattoos sometimes seen on people‘s necks. Are these just edgy number choices or do they symbolize something more sinister? My research uncovered a complex history behind these infamous tattoos, along with similar numeric codes used to signal extremism and gang affiliations.

Overview of 14 and 88 Meanings

The number 14 refers to 14 words used as a slogan among white supremacists: "We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children." This phrase was coined by terrorist David Lane in the 1980s and has been widely adopted by neo-Nazis and racists.

The number 88 stands for "Heil Hitler," as H is the 8th letter of the alphabet. 14/88 combined forms a numeric signal for white power and Nazi ideology.

These tattoos emerged from white supremacist prison gangs but are also used by racist skinhead crews and extremists. They indicate allegiance to white nationalist and neo-Nazi philosophies of racial dominance and anti-Semitism.

Origins and History of 14 and 88 Tattoos

As a history buff and data analyst, I wanted to dig into the origins of how these numeric tattoos became associated with hate.

The 14 words slogan first appeared in the 1980s from David Lane, a member of the white supremacist terror group The Order. This group committed armed robberies, bombings, and assassination, aiming to incite a race war.

While imprisoned, Lane wrote a white nationalist manifesto including the 14 words, which distilled his racist views into a compelling slogan. Through the manifesto and reverence for Lane as a martyr after his death in 2007, the 14 words slogan spread as a rallying cry among neo-Nazis.

The first usage of 88 as a white supremacist code can be traced to the 1999 shooting spree by neo-Nazi David Copeland, who decorated his bombs and diary with "88." However, the ADL believes 88 tattoos and graffiti likely existed among neo-Nazis earlier in the 1980s.

Both symbols permeated white supremacist prison gangs in the 80s and 90s, displaying affiliation with the racist movement. Key gangs like the Aryan Brotherhood adopted these numeric tattoos en masse for their coded meanings. As members were released, the tattoos jumped from prisons to street extremist groups.

By the Numbers: Usage Statistics

As a data analyst, I‘m always interested in statistics. While data on extremist tattoos is limited, a few studies provide insight:

• A 2010 FBI report indicated around 1/3 of American gang officers surveyed had observed white supremacists in law enforcement agencies, with 14 and 88 tattoos being the most common indicators.

• In a 2011 survey of street gang members in Colorado, around 3% self-identified as white supremacists. Within this group, 41% had 14 or 88 tattoos.

• 14 and 88 tattoos are considered among the most common white supremacist symbols by watchdogs like the Anti-Defamation League.

So while overall percentages are low, these tattoos remain prevalent within active hate groups and gangs according to monitoring agencies. The coded nature offers discretion while signaling extremist ties.

Modern Non-Racist Usage

Today‘s tattoo trends have muddled the meaning of 14 and 88 ink. As digital culture shifts perceptions, some choose these tattoos for aesthetic appeal without racist intent.

YouTube tattoo artist Kevin Laroy told his client "Don‘t even worry about" the origins of 88. Hip hop artists like Jake Paul have provoked outrage by displaying 14 and 88 tattoos absent any context.

However, the Anti-Defamation League strongly recommends avoiding these symbols if unaware, as most view them as unambiguous white supremacy indicators. Without explicitly re-appropriating their meaning, 14 and 88 likely still project dangerous connotations.

14 Words Tattoo Variations

The internet allows coded extremist language and symbols to spread rapidly from fringe groups to the mainstream. Along with 88, here are some common tattoo variants of the 14 words:

• 14/88 – The most recognizable combo, pairing the two numeric references.

• 14 Words – Writing out the full slogan is rare, but more tattoos just show "14 Words" or "14W" to evade scrutiny.

• 14 – The simplest tattoo, only showing the number 14, can signal the slogan to those familiar with its meaning.

• Spider web – Used to represent the 14 words concept of "white unity" with perceived superior races catching inferior ones in the web.

Beyond 14 and 88: Neo-Nazi Numeric Codes

Like any secret subculture, white supremacists use all kinds of hidden symbols and codes. Here are a few other common numeric tattoo meanings:

• 100% – Stands for racial purity or white pride.

• 12 – Code for Aryan Brotherhood, referring to the 1st and 2nd letter "AB".

• 13 – Shows allegiance to the Mexican Mafia gang, 13th letter "M".

• 18 – Neo-Nazi code using the 1st and 8th letter for "AH" – Adolf Hitler.

• 23 – Reference to the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas, using 2nd and 3rd letter "BC".

• 311 – Ku Klux Klan number code for "KKK" (11th letter K).

• 666 – Biblical "number of the beast" used by racist Christian Identity extremists.

• 828 – Code for "HH" or "Heil Hitler" (8th letter H).

Watchdog groups monitor evolving numeric codes to identify neo-Nazi tattoos and track membership.

Additional Extremist Neck Tattoos

Beyond just numbers, white supremacists display many other coded tattoos:

• Runes – Ancient Germanic script co-opted by neo-Nazis, like sowilo (white power) and algiz (life).

• Odin‘s Cross – Adapted Celtic Cross icon venerating the Norse Allfather Odin.

• Swastikas – Ultimate symbol of race hate. Still prominently displayed despite taboo.

• Lightning bolts – Can denote Nazi SS when combined with other racist themes.

• Totenkopf – "Death‘s head" skull and bones used by the SS and neo-Nazi groups.

• Racist slogans – "White Pride", "Pure Blood", "My Honor Is Loyalty" Indicators of white nationalist views.

These vivid symbols explicitly telegraph extremist beliefs, while coded numeric tattoos allow covert communication with fellow group members.

Racist Prison Gang Tattoo Codes

Within the prison system, number codes are crucial for white supremacy gangs to brand members, display status, and communicate secretly. Here are some prominent examples:

Aryan Brotherhood

The AB is the oldest white supremacist prison gang, formed in 1964 in San Quentin. Their tattoos include:

• Shamrocks and Celtic iconography, indicating Irish heritage.
• 12, for "AB" as the 1st and 2nd letters.
• 666, as they adopt satanic imagery.
• Their motto, "Blood In, Blood Out".

Estimated 15-20k AB members nationwide, both in and out of prison. Commit over 30% of yearly murders in prison according to FBI data.

Nazi Lowriders

Smaller neo-Nazi prison gang founded in California in the 1970s. Tattoos include:

• 1488, 88, or 14/88.
• Swastikas, SS bolts, and Nazi symbols.
• Viking and Norse mythology imagery.

Around 2000 NLR members concentrated in California and Texas prisons.

Peckerwoods

Umbrella term for various white gangs in prison nationwide. United by common tattoos:

• Woodpecker logo, symbolic of "peckerwood".
• 3-leaf clover.
• Confederate Flag.
• Phrases like "SWP" (Supreme White Power).

Estimated tens of thousands of peckerwood members nationwide both in and out of prison.

Non-Racist Neck Tattoos With Hate Connotations

Context is crucial when evaluating any tattoo. Some symbols carry dual meanings – positive cultural resonance for some, but extremist baggage in broader society. For example:

• Valknot – Viking decorative knot beloved by white supremacists.

• Mjölnir – Norse hammer of Thor, symbol of pagan ideals.

• Wolfsangel – Wolf trap with Germanic roots and Nazi connections.

All these icons hold non-racist significance in Asatru neo-paganism and biker/prison culture. But most associate them with white nationalism due to appropriation by hate groups. Tattoos even of benign symbols may cause concern without clarification of meaning.

Conclusion: Parsing Tattoo Intent and Meaning

Unlike in the PS4 games I love to stream, reality offers few definitive answers about others‘ motivations. Tattoo symbology provides beneficial psychological insight, but should not replace forming connections with individuals.

The context around any tattooed number code or symbol must be weighed carefully. As gamers look past virtual avatars to appreciate real people, we should see others not just as their tattoos – but based on their overall humanity.

Still, these tattoos reveal the shadows we still must confront. Racist extremism adapts stealthier methods beyond burning crosses. We must work together to progress as one people who reject fear and hate.

Through understanding, not assumptions, we can achieve the compassion these coded tattoos often lack. Gamer culture shows our interconnected potential. As players cooperate across the planet, we begin forming real communities based on shared goals rather than arbitrary divisions.

Together, all of us can build a brighter future without limits. The choice comes down to the rare loot of love – or common drops of outdated hate.