Updated news on the Gambino, Genovese, Bonanno, Lucchese and Colombo Organized Crime Families of New York City.

Mafia Terminology

Administration: the upper-level power structure of an organized crime Family, composed of the boss, underboss, and consigliere.

Associate: an almost-there; someone who works with and for wiseguys, but who hasn't been sworn in as a member of the Family.


Babania: Heroin, as in dealing. Lucrative but risky for mob insiders because if they're busted, long prison terms might compel them to cut a deal and squeal.


Babbo: A dope, idiot, useless underling.


Beef: a complaint or disagreement within the organization, usually discussed during a sit-down with higher-ups in the Family.


Big earner: someone who makes a lot of money for the Family. A LOT of money.
 

Books, the: euphemism for membership in the Family, since nothing is ever written down. When there is an availability (when someone dies), the books are "opened." When no one is being "made," the books are "closed."