mafioso
Americannoun
plural
mafiosi, mafiososnoun
Etymology
Origin of mafioso
First recorded in 1870–75; from Sicilian mafiusu “arrogance, bravado,” of disputed origin; perhaps ultimately from Arabic marfūḍ “outcast” (compare archaic Italian malfusso “wretched,” archaic Spanish marfuz “deceitful, rejected”); perhaps ultimately from Arabic mahyāṣ “braggart, show-off”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Prosecutors said the mob chief built a wide array of financial interests that went far beyond traditional mafioso concerns, helping him set up a loyal network of white collar professionals.
From Reuters • Jan. 25, 2023
Paul Sorvino could play more than a mobster, even though mafioso roles became standards in his prolific career.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 25, 2022
In the film, Tony’s mafioso future isn’t yet a foregone conclusion.
From Seattle Times • Oct. 1, 2021
The guy smiled but said nothing, like a mafioso who suspects you’re wearing a wire.
From Washington Post • Jul. 1, 2021
He is a remarkably dangerous but cartoon-like figure, an adult man who dresses up like a mafioso from the movies.
From Salon • Dec. 2, 2020
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
