American mafia movies and documentaries are enjoyed by many of us whether we are mafia buffs or simply fans of the genre. While watching many of these programs one will notice that these mobsters have a language of their own and often use words and phrases with specific mafia meanings that many watchers don’t quite know the meaning of. Italian American mobsters have developed their own “mafia terminology” often known as “mobspeak” they use to describe different aspects of the mob covering everything from rankings with in the mafia families to every day operations and activities. We have put together a list of mafia terminology to help you not only keep up while watching your next mafia program but to help you sound like a real mafia aficionato while watching with your clueless family and friends. You may not be a real wiseguy but you can sure sound like one !
American Mafia Terminology
- Mafia Boss: He is the head of the mafia family and gives order on all important family business like making new members or getting rid of current ones. Also known as “Don” of family.
- Underboss: Second in command of the of the mafia family and reports directly to the boss. Usually handles the family operations at a street level handling the families captains.
- Consigliere: An advisor to the mafia family boss and seen as a 3rd in command. A family counselor that also handles any disputes with in the crime family.
- Capo or Captain: Ranking street level leader for the mafia family which runs a crew or group of family soldiers. Also known a “skipper”.
- Soldier: Lowest rank with in the mafia family and handles the hands on day to day scams and operations of their respective mob family.
- Associate: Someone who works with a mafia family but is not an official made member of the family.
- Administration: A mafia families power structure of leading members composed of the top three ranks boss, underboss, and consigliere.
- La Cosa Nostra: roughly translated as “this thing of ours” and is another name for the Italian American Mafia.
- Made: To officially be sworn in as a member of an American Mafia family. Also often referred to as “getting your button” or being “straightened out”.
- Friend of ours: A phrase used to introduce one “made” mafia member to another
- Friend of mine: A phrase used to introduce a person who has been vouched for by a mafia family member but is not a made member of the mafia.
- Stand Up Guy: Used to describe someone who refuses to turn on the mob family or make anykind of deal with law enforcement , refuses to become a rat.
- Loanshark: A person who lends money on the streets at extreme interest rates. Also known as a Shylock.
- Mustache Petes: Old generation or fashioned mobsters.
- Sit Down: A meeting by mafia family members using including family leaders to settle any kind of dispute with in the family.
- Omerta: It is the mafia code of silence that made members vow to follow upon being sworn in as a member.
- Pinched: To be arrested by law enforcement.
- Rat: Anyone who turns on the family and violates the mob code of silence or Omerta. Also known as a stole pigeon or snitch.
- The Books: Used as an euphemism for membership in the mob family. When new members are being made into the family the books are “open” when no new members are being accepted the books are “closed”.
- Contract: An order given to a mafia member to kill someone.
- Whack or clip: When a mafia member murders someone. Also known as “doing a piece of work”.
- Give a Pass: A reprieve given to someone by mob for an infraction, often from being whacked.
- On the record: An action or order that has been sanctioned by mafia family leaders.
- Off the record: An action or order that has not been sanctioned by mafia family leaders.
- The Nut: Phrase used to describe the bottom line or gross profit.
- Vouch for: A personal guarantee by a mobster as to the reputation of someone dealing with the family usually with one’s life.
- Swag: Goods that have been stolen and usually with out use of a gun.
- Zips: Derogatory term used by American mafiosi to describe Sicilian Mafiosi.
- Hitting or Going to the Mattresses: To go to war with a rival mob family.
