mafia
UK[ˈmæfiə]US[ˈmɑːfiə]
n
A secret criminal organization originating in Sicily, involved in illegal activities and using intimidation and violence
n
Any powerful or closed group seen as exerting secret control
Etymology
The term 'mafia' entered English in the late 19th century from Italian, specifically from the Sicilian dialect word 'mafiusu'. The precise origin of the Sicilian term is debated, but it is not a classical compound from Latin or Greek. One prominent theory suggests it stems from an Arabic root 'maha', meaning to boast or act as a protector, reflecting the complex cultural history of Sicily. Another theory links it to a medieval Sicilian word for a bold, confident attitude. The meaning evolved from describing a personal swagger or style to denoting the secretive, honor-bound criminal society that adopted this characteristic demeanor, eventually becoming the generic term for organized crime syndicates.
Analysis
The word 'mafia' is a simplex loanword from Italian. It does not contain separable morphemes in its modern English spelling. Its origin is likely the Sicilian adjective 'mafiusu', meaning bold, swaggering, or beautiful.
Examples
The film depicts the inner workings of the New York mafia.
Several politicians were accused of being in the pocket of the local mafia.
Critics accused the old boys' network of operating like a corporate mafia.