Organized Crime Terminology

noun a secret criminal organization operating mainly in Italy and the United States and engaging in illegal activities such as gambling, drug-trafficking, and murder

• The Mafia is known for its organized crime activities and influence in certain regions.
• I heard that the Mafia is involved in a lot of illegal activities.
• Watch out for the Mafia, they don't mess around.
• The Mafia of corruption has infiltrated every level of government.

noun a member of a criminal gang, especially a mafia

• The mobster was arrested for his involvement in illegal activities.
• I heard that mobster got busted for running a gambling ring.
• That mobster is one shady character, watch your back around him.
• The ruthless businessman was like a mobster in a suit, always looking for ways to make a profit at any cost.

noun a person who engages in dishonest and fraudulent business dealings, often involving illegal activities such as extortion or bribery

• The authorities were able to apprehend the notorious racketeer who had been operating in the city for years.
• I heard that the racketeer down the street got arrested last night.
• That racketeer is always up to no good, you better watch out for him.
• The politician was accused of being a racketeer, using his power for personal gain.

noun A slang term for a mistress or girlfriend, especially one of a mobster

• The businessman was rumored to have a goomah on the side.
• Tony's goomah is always causing drama in the neighborhood.
• Vinny's goomah is a real piece of work, if you ask me.
• The old house had a goomah of ivy creeping up its walls.

• The police raided a suspected chop shop where stolen cars were being dismantled and sold for parts.
• I heard that Joe's Auto Repair might be a chop shop, so be careful if you take your car there.
• I wouldn't trust that shady garage down the street, it looks like a total chop shop.
• The company's unethical practices were likened to a chop shop, where they would dismantle and sell off valuable assets for profit.

noun a code of silence practiced by the Mafia; a strict code of silence and non-cooperation among criminals

• The mafia code of omerta prohibits members from cooperating with law enforcement.
• You better keep your mouth shut if you know about the omerta.
• Snitches get stitches when they break the omerta.
• In some organizations, there is an unspoken omerta about discussing certain sensitive topics.