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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
James Harker

Hey punk, do you speak mafioso?

Vincent Bascianio
Mafia boss Vincent Bascianio is on trial for the murder of another mobster in 2004. Photograph: AP

Jurors in Brooklyn, New York, last week received a lesson in mob vernacular when mafioso-turned-informer Joseph C Massino showed up to rat on his former boss Vincent Bascianio, who is on trial for the murder of mobster Randolph Pizzolo in 2004.

Mob members have long used a secret language to escape punishment, and The Sopranos has brought modern mafia lingo to the mainstream through Tony, Christopher and Silvio's escapades. But do you know your capo from your babbo? Here's a handy glossary to help you translate:

Cosa Nostra The mafia

Family/borgata A mafia division

Clip murder

Babbo A fool

Break an egg Murder a rat

Juice Interest on money owed

Brockester Someone who doesn't pay juice

Capo The head of a family

Chase Get lost

Goumada Mistress/girlfriend

Ham Hide. Chiefly from a rival gangster

Skim Undeclared income

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