mafia
B2formal, informal, journalistic
Definition
Meaning
A secret criminal organization originating in Sicily, characterized by a hierarchical structure, codes of silence (omertà), and involvement in illegal activities such as extortion, drug trafficking, and racketeering.
Any powerful, closed group perceived to exert covert control, often through intimidation or unfair practices, in a particular field (e.g., 'the literary mafia', 'the corporate mafia').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
When capitalised ('Mafia'), it typically refers specifically to the Sicilian/Italian organisation. In lowercase ('mafia'), it denotes the extended, metaphorical meaning. It is a countable noun, often used with the definite article 'the'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. US usage more commonly references specific American-Italian crime families (e.g., 'the Five Families').
Connotations
Both carry strong negative criminal connotations. In metaphorical use, both imply secretive, unfair, and intimidating group behaviour.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties due to global cultural penetration via film and news.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the + Mafia/Mafia + of + [place/field]a + mafia + in + [field]accuse + NP + of + links to the MafiaVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Murder, Inc. (refers to organised contract killing)”
- “Omertà (the code of silence)”
- “Made man (a fully initiated member)”
- “Sleeping with the fishes (euphemism for being murdered)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used metaphorically to describe cut-throat, monopolistic, or corrupt practices in an industry: 'The local construction industry is controlled by a real mafia.'
Academic
Appears in sociology, criminology, and history papers studying organised crime, its structures, and social impact.
Everyday
Used to describe any domineering or secretive group: 'The school's chess club is run like a little mafia.'
Technical
In criminology: a specific type of organised crime group with defined rituals, hierarchies, and territorial control.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The local council was accused of being mafia-ed by corrupt developers. (very rare, informal)
adjective
British English
- The investigation uncovered mafia-style intimidation tactics.
American English
- He was involved in a mafia-run gambling operation.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The police fight the mafia.
- The mafia is bad.
- The film is about the Italian mafia in New York.
- They say the mafia controls some parts of the city.
- Journalists have uncovered evidence of mafia infiltration into local government contracts.
- The term 'mafia' is now often used metaphorically to describe any secretive, powerful clique.
- The intricate web of loyalty and omertà that characterised the traditional Sicilian Mafia has been eroded by modern informants.
- A mafia of influential critics effectively decides which new authors get published.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a **Ma**n in a **Fi**ne **A**rmani suit, who is secretly a powerful crime boss. MAFIA.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN ORGANIZATION/INDUSTRY IS A CRIMINAL SYNDICATE (e.g., 'the fashion mafia').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using it as a general synonym for any 'gang' or 'group of friends'. In Russian 'мафия' can be used playfully ('мы тут вся мафия собралась'). In English, this metaphorical use is more negative and implies corruption/coercion.
- The word 'мафиозный' translates directly to 'mafia-like' or 'mafia-related', not 'mafia' as a noun.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'He is a mafia.' (The word refers to the group, not an individual. Correct: 'He is in the Mafia / a mafioso.')
- Spelling confusion with 'Maffia' (archaic).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the lowercase 'mafia' used correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Capital 'M' Mafia refers specifically to the Italian/Sicilian-originated criminal organisation. Lowercase 'm' mafia is the metaphorical extension meaning any powerful, secretive, and often corrupt group.
Almost never. Its core meaning is strongly negative (criminal, violent). The metaphorical use is also negative, implying unfair, coercive, or secretive control. A playful use among friends would be atypical and likely misunderstood.
No. It refers specifically to highly organised, structured, and enduring criminal syndicates, often with specific rituals and codes. A street gang or a temporary group of criminals is not typically called a mafia.
A 'mafioso' (plural: mafiosi) is a member of the Mafia. It is the correct term for an individual, whereas 'mafia' refers to the collective group.