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Administration:

The heads of a Mafia family, usually composed of the Boss, Underboss (a.k.a. Capo Bastone or Sotto Capo, or second in command) and Consigliere (counselor).

Associate:

An entry-level position in a Mafia family. After associates have proved themselves, they can be sworn in as full-fledged members.

Babbo:

A term that refers to an underling or newcomer who is considered to be useless. If you’re deemed a babbo, you may not be long for this world.

Big earner:

Anyone who makes a lot of cash for his Mafia family.

The books:

A phrase used to denote membership in a Mafia family. When a member of the family dies, the books are “opened” — which means a space has become available.

Boss:

The “Don” or head of a Mafia family. The Boss has the ultimate say in all important decisions.

Broken:

The act of demoting a member of the family in rank.

Button:

A Mafia “soldier” (a.k.a. wiseguy or goodfella).

Capo:

A captain of the family. (The Capo Bastone is the underboss, or second in command; a.k.a. the Sotto Capo.)

Capo di tutti capi:

The most powerful of the bosses. Hails from the strongest of the Mafia families.

Chased:

A phrase to denote expulsion from the Mafia family for an offense not quite worthy of “whacking.”

Cleaning:

The covering of tracks to ensure that a family member is not being followed and/or will not be caught after committing a crime.

Clip:

To eliminate someone.

Clock:

To keep a person under surveillance.

Comare: A Mafia mistress.

Commission, The:

A committee composed of members of the most powerful Mafia families.

Dictionary