Mafia

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "Mafia" is correct in written English.
It is typically used to refer to organized crime syndicates, particularly those originating from Italy, or to describe a group that operates in a secretive or illicit manner. Example: "The film depicted the rise of a powerful Mafia family in New York City."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Osborne-Bernstein deal was like two mafia bosses carving up Apulia.

The Guardian

In 2013, the newly appointed head of Qeshm free trade zone spoke of "a vast loose financial mafia" that had been "looting the island's riches en masse".

The Guardian

Formerly known as Friends of the Italian Opera – after the codename for the mafia in Some Like It Hot – the theatre regularly stages classics by the likes of Samuel Beckett, Harold Pinter, Tennessee Williams and Alan Bennett, as well as inviting young writers to try out their works.

The Guardian

That's the last of my mafia books – then let's see next year".

The Guardian

Many villains have been blamed for Mumbai's descent into urban hell, from mafia dons to impoverished migrants, but for the past three decades the main culprit is the "politician-builder nexus".

The Guardian

Whether the mafia has kidnapped you and made you kill a man with a gun to win your freedom or if you've done quite badly in an exam, someone will say: "Let me get you a nice cup of tea".

The Guardian - Opinion

One village chief in Thailand told me that his father had been murdered by the shrimp mafia because he'd opposed their cutting of mangroves.

The Guardian

In Japan they have a rich artistic history, but also a long association with the Yakuza, Japan's equivalent of the mafia, which means that some public areas (such as swimming baths) have a "no tattoo" policy which may be extended to foreigners.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They close their eyes to the mafia state within a state in Bulgaria," says Hinova.

The Guardian

The film, which finds Lautner's inexplicably buff yet baby-faced courier escape from the Chinese mafia into the sexy world of jumping off things on to other things, eventually made its debut on a pay-per-view channel in the US earlier this year.

The Guardian - Film

"From beginning to end, the Yukos case has been an instance of unabashed plundering of a successful company by a mafia with links to the state".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the term "Mafia", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a specific organized crime group or using it metaphorically to describe a group with similar characteristics.

Common error

Avoid using "Mafia" loosely to describe any group you dislike. It carries specific connotations of organized crime and should be used appropriately. Overusing it weakens its impact and can be seen as insensitive or inaccurate.

Linguistic Context

The word "Mafia" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a specific type of organized crime syndicate. It can also function as a proper noun when referring to a specific organization like the Sicilian Mafia. As Ludwig AI indicates, it can also be used in a broader sense to describe controlling entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "Mafia" is a noun frequently used to describe organized crime syndicates, particularly those of Italian origin, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct, it carries significant connotations related to illegal activities and secret control. Its usage spans from neutral reporting in news and media to more formal analyses in business and scientific contexts. When employed metaphorically, using alternatives like "organized crime syndicate" or "criminal organization" might be more appropriate, depending on the desired tone and level of formality. Be mindful of potential overgeneralization to maintain clarity and avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Cosa Nostra

A specific type of Mafia, namely the Sicilian Mafia.

Organized crime syndicate

Replaces "Mafia" with a more generic term for a criminal organization.

Mob

An informal term for a criminal gang.

Criminal organization

A broader term that encompasses various types of illegal groups.

Syndicate

Refers to a group of individuals or companies combined to promote some common interest.

Crime family

Specifically refers to a family-based criminal group.

Underworld figures

Refers to individuals involved in organized crime activities.

Gangland

The world of organized crime.

Racketeering

The practice of conducting illegal business activities.

The criminal fraternity

A community of criminals.

FAQs

How is "Mafia" used in a sentence?

"Mafia" is used to describe organized crime syndicates, particularly those of Italian origin, or metaphorically to describe groups with similar characteristics of secrecy and control. Example: "The film depicted the inner workings of the Italian "Mafia"."

What are some alternatives to "Mafia"?

Alternatives to "Mafia" include "organized crime syndicate", "criminal organization", or simply "mob", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "Mafia" metaphorically?

Yes, "Mafia" can be used metaphorically to describe a group that operates in a secretive, controlling manner, even if it's not involved in illegal activities. However, be mindful of the connotations and potential for misinterpretation.

What's the difference between "Mafia" and "Cosa Nostra"?

"Cosa Nostra" is a specific type of "Mafia", namely the Sicilian Mafia. "Mafia" is a more general term that can refer to various organized crime groups.