PIZZO Meaning and
Definition
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Pizzo is a noun that refers to a traditional concept of protection money or extortion, particularly practiced in the Italian criminal underworld. It originated from the word "pizzu," which translates to a beak or a peck. Pizzo is predominantly associated with Sicily and Southern Italy, although it may extend to certain other regions as well.
The term specifically denotes a form of illegal payment made by businesses or individuals to criminal organizations, such as the Mafia, in exchange for protection or to avoid harm or intimidation. Typically, the recipient of the pizzo is a local mafia representative or their associates.
The payment of pizzo functions as a means for criminal organizations to exert control and establish a claim of authority over a geographic area or a specific industry. It is enforced through threats, coercion, or acts of violence against those who refuse or fail to make the payment. The detrimental consequences of non-compliance can range from harassment and vandalism to physical harm and arson.
Despite its illegal nature, the practice of pizzo has been embedded within the socio-economic dynamics of certain regions and has persisted due to a combination of fear, lack of trust in law enforcement, and the power wielded by organized crime groups.
Efforts have been made to combat and eradicate the payment of pizzo through the engagement of both local communities and legal institutions. These initiatives aim to foster a culture of resistance against extortion and promote the rule of law.
Etymology of PIZZO
The word "pizzo" has its origins in the Italian language. It comes from the Old Provençal word "pitz" or "pissar", which means "point". This word was borrowed into Italian, and over time, it evolved into "pizzo". In Italian, "pizzo" refers to a point or the topmost part of something, such as the point of a needle or a hill's peak. However, "pizzo" also has other meanings depending on the context in which it is used. For instance, in the context of organized crime, "pizzo" is used to describe protection money paid by businesses to criminal organizations.
Similar spelling words for PIZZO
