How Do You Spell GOODFELLA?

Pronunciation: [ɡʊdfˈɛlə] (IPA)

The word "goodfella" is often seen spelled as "goodfellas" in popular culture, but the correct spelling is actually without the "s" at the end. The spelling "goodfella" reflects the pronunciation of the word, which is /ɡʊdˈfɛlə/. The stress falls on the second syllable, and the "a" at the end is pronounced as a schwa sound. The word is slang for a member of the mafia or organized crime, and gained popularity through the 1990 Martin Scorsese film, "Goodfellas."

GOODFELLA Meaning and Definition

1. Goodfella, originally derived from "good fellow," is a term that primarily refers to a member of the Italian-American mafia and is commonly used to describe a person involved in organized crime, particularly in the United States. The term gained significant popularity following its portrayal in Martin Scorsese's iconic 1990 film, "Goodfellas."

   A goodfella is characterized by their affiliation with criminal organizations such as the Italian-American mafia, also known as La Cosa Nostra. They are often involved in various illegal activities such as racketeering, loan sharking, gambling, narcotics trafficking, and labor racketeering. Goodfellas may also hold specific positions within the criminal hierarchy, such as made men, capos, or bosses.

   These individuals are typically characterized by their unwavering loyalty to their crew, criminal expertise, and adherence to a strict code of conduct known as "Omertà," which emphasizes silence, unconditional loyalty, and the resolve to avoid cooperating with law enforcement authorities. Goodfellas are known for their extravagant lifestyles, including flashy cars, designer clothes, and high-end property, which are often funded by their illicit activities.

   While the term is predominantly associated with organized crime, it is important to note that not all Italian-Americans or Italians are affiliated with criminal organizations. The term "goodfella" is specific to those involved in the mafia and should not be used as a blanket term to categorize all individuals of Italian descent.

Common Misspellings for GOODFELLA

• foodfella
• voodfella
• boodfella
• hoodfella
• yoodfella
• toodfella
• giodfella
• gkodfella
• glodfella
• gpodfella
• g0odfella
• g9odfella
• goidfella
• gokdfella
• goldfella
• gopdfella
• go0dfella
• go9dfella
• goosfella
• gooxfella

Etymology of GOODFELLA

The word "goodfella" is a slang term that originated in the United States, specifically in Italian-American communities. It is derived from the Italian word "guappo" (pronounced gwoh-po), which means "tough guy" or "braggart".

In Sicilian, the term "capo" was used to describe a prominent or respected figure within the Mafia. When Italian immigrants brought their cultural references to America, the word "guappo" transformed into various forms, including "goodfella", to refer to individuals involved in organized crime.

The term gained significant popularity with the release of the classic Martin Scorsese movie "Goodfellas" in 1990, which followed the lives of American gangsters. Since then, "goodfella" has become synonymous with Italian-American mobsters or people associated with criminal organizations.