MAFIA Meaning and
Definition
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Mafia is a noun that refers to a specialized criminal organization, typically originating from Italy and extending its influence to various parts of the world. It is known for engaging in illegal activities such as organized crime, racketeering, and exerting control over a specific territory or industry.
The term "mafia" has its roots in Sicilian culture, with the word originally derived from the Sicilian adjective "mafiusu," meaning bold or arrogant. Over time, it evolved to represent a secretive and hierarchical criminal group that operates by strict codes of conduct and loyalty.
The Mafia's organizational structure often consists of multiple "families" or "coscas." These families have their own leaders, known as "bosses" or "capos," who govern their respective territories and oversee criminal operations. Members of the Mafia are inducted through a ritualistic initiation process, swearing an oath of loyalty and absolute obedience, under threat of severe punishment for betraying the organization's secrets.
Mafia activities often revolve around illegal practices such as gambling, drug trafficking, extortion, money laundering, and murder. Their influence extends beyond solely criminal enterprises, with some Mafias having significant political connections or infiltrating legitimate businesses to further their illicit interests.
The term "mafia" is now commonly used as a general descriptor for any highly organized criminal group, irrespective of its geographical origin. Although the Mafia has been the subject of countless law enforcement investigations and prosecutions, it continues to endure and adapt, making it a persistent and elusive criminal presence in many parts of the world.
Top Common Misspellings for MAFIA *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for MAFIA
Etymology of MAFIA
The word "mafia" originated in Sicily, Italy, and its etymology traces back to Italian roots. The exact origins of the term are somewhat unclear, but it is thought to have derived from the Arabic word "mahyas", meaning "boasting" or "bragging", which referred to the bravado and swagger exhibited by members of criminal organizations in Sicily. Over time, this term evolved into "mafiusu" in Sicilian dialect, which broadly denoted a sense of boldness, audacity, or arrogance. Eventually, the term "mafia" emerged as the standardized form used to refer to organized crime groups in Sicily and eventually spread to other parts of the world.
Similar spelling words for MAFIA
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