gangsterism
Mafia-style criminal activity
Gangsterism is the methods, behavior, and culture of organized criminal groups—intimidation, violence, extortion, and loyalty to the gang above the law.
The term often appears in discussions of urban crime or political corruption: The city was plagued by gangsterism in the 1920s.
It can describe any thuggish tactics used to maintain power or control.
Conducting illegal business schemes
- extortionObtaining through threats
- robberyTheft through intimidation
- smugglingIllegal covert transport
- heistOrganized large-scale theft
theft · burglary · fraud · embezzlement · money laundering · fencing · counterfeiting · illegal gambling
Deliberate fear-inducing pressure
- thuggeryViolent criminal conduct
- brutalitySavage, merciless behavior
- assaultViolent offensive act
- beatdownThorough physical or competitive defeat
hit · murder · execution · drive-by · kneecapping · roughing up · strong-arming · enforcer
Sicilian criminal organization
- omertàCriminal vow of silence
- godfatherMale baptismal guardian
- donPut on attire
- capoString-shortening clamp device
consigliere · underboss · made man · syndicate · crime family · cartel · outfit · crew
Illegal alcohol production/sale
- speakeasyIllicit liquor establishment
- moonshineIllegally distilled spirits
- rum-runningIllicit alcohol trafficking
- bathtub ginAmateur-made illegal liquor
Al Capone · Roaring Twenties · Tommy gun · pinstripe suit · Chicago · Lucky Luciano · rackets · hooch
Grass-covered earth surface
- crewWorking team aboard
- hoodAttached head covering
- blockSolid mass, or impede
- cornerMeeting point of edges
colors · set · clique · rival · affiliation · initiation · loyalty · respect
Criminal's disfigurement-based nickname
- Goodfellas1990 gangster film
- Peaky BlindersBritish gangster television series
- swaggerConfident, boastful manner
- blingShowy expensive jewelry
lowrider · tattoos · hand signs · slang · glorification · notoriety · infamy · legend
racketeering
Conducting illegal business schemes
- extortionObtaining through threats
- robberyTheft through intimidation
- smugglingIllegal covert transport
heist · theft · burglary · fraud · embezzlement · money laundering · fencing · counterfeiting · illegal gambling · loan sharking
intimidation
Deliberate fear-inducing pressure
beatdown · hit · murder · execution · drive-by · kneecapping · roughing up · strong-arming · enforcer · retaliation
Cosa Nostra
Sicilian criminal organization
capo · consigliere · underboss · made man · syndicate · crime family · cartel · outfit · crew · wiseguy
bootlegging
Illegal alcohol production/sale
- speakeasyIllicit liquor establishment
- moonshineIllegally distilled spirits
- rum-runningIllicit alcohol trafficking
Al Capone · bathtub gin · Roaring Twenties · Tommy gun · pinstripe suit · Chicago · Lucky Luciano · rackets · hooch
turf
Grass-covered earth surface
corner · colors · set · clique · rival · affiliation · initiation · loyalty · respect · street code
Scarface
Criminal's disfigurement-based nickname
- Goodfellas1990 gangster film
- Peaky BlindersBritish gangster television series
- swaggerConfident, boastful manner
bling · lowrider · tattoos · hand signs · slang · glorification · notoriety · infamy · legend · antihero
- thuggerybullying, intimidation, strong-arming, menacing, threatening
gangsterismlawfulness
Conformity to regulations
law and order · legitimacy · rule of law · civic order · civic duty
gangsterismrighteousness
Moral correctness or virtue
virtue · integrity · honesty · ethical conduct · uprightness
gangsterismcivil society
Nongovernmental organized citizenry
good governance · peacekeeping · social harmony · community safety · public order
gang, gangster, gangs, ganging, gangsters, ganged, gangsta, gangland, gangbuster