Tagger: A mostly derogatory term for an inexperienced graffiti writer; or used as a general term for all graffiti vandals or writers by law enforcement or graffiti abatement teams. A tagger is the same as calling the one who places graffiti, a toy. In most circles, someone that has skills or props in the graffiti placement world is more correctly termed to be a writer.
Some indications that someone may be a tagger are:
Keep in mind that none of the above in and of itself should be used to determine if someone is a Tagger. It is meant to give you a starting point when determining if he/she could be involved in these activities.
Taggers come from every race, religion, social groups, as well as from every socioeconomic status.
- Stays out until early morning or all night
- Frequently wears a large back pack or baggy pants
- Clothing may be paint stained - Packs and loose clothing can be used to hold paint cans or carry graffiti tools
- Carries tools used for etching glass like hole punches, rocks, glass cutters, screw drivers, awls, metal scribes
- Has taken up the hobby of ink making
- Has large quantities of magic markers, shoe polish containers, or other devices used for drawing
- Sleeps during the day and is active outdoors at night
- Has paint on the tips of his/her fingers
- Frequently has permanent marker stains on his/her hands
- Has graffiti magazines, flyers, a "piece book" or other portfolio of tags
- Possess large quantities of "My Name Is" stickers or other large stickers used for "sticker tagging"
- In possession of graffiti paraphernalia such as markers, etching tools, spray paint, bug spray, and starch cans
- Is in the age group statistically associated with tagging; ages 12-18
- Has graffiti displays or tags on clothing, binders, backpacks, and the underside of the bill of their hat
- Tags you see on the walls of your neighborhood are seen on your child's walls, books, and clothing
- Frequently deceitful about his/her activities
- Has quantities of paint in cans but does not have the income to afford it
- Associates with other children with the traits described above
- Internet web browser has bookmarks to graffiti advocate web sites
- Has photographs of graffiti and tags on the walls that look familiar to you
- Actively part of Facebook group associated with graffiti
Keep in mind that none of the above in and of itself should be used to determine if someone is a Tagger. It is meant to give you a starting point when determining if he/she could be involved in these activities.
Taggers come from every race, religion, social groups, as well as from every socioeconomic status.
