mafialike
Like organized crime
Mafialike describes something resembling organized crime operations—secretive, hierarchical, and potentially ruthless.
The term applies to any group operating with the loyalty codes, intimidation tactics, or shadowy coordination associated with the Mafia: mafialike control of the waterfront unions, The corporation's mafialike culture silenced whistleblowers.
Male baptismal guardian
- donPut on attire
- underbossCriminal organization's deputy
- consigliereMafia boss's trusted counselor
- capoString-shortening clamp device
boss · enforcer · hitman · associate · crew · syndicate · cartel · clan
Obtaining through threats
- intimidationDeliberate fear-inducing pressure
- threatsDeclarations of intended harm
- shakedownForceful extraction of payment
- protection racketExtortion through intimidation
racketeering · muscle · violence · retaliation · vendetta · fear · coercion · strongarm
Criminal vow of silence
- code of silenceTacit agreement against disclosure
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
- covertIntentionally concealed
- back-alleyClandestine, done covertly
under-the-table · hidden · veiled · cloak-and-dagger · front business · laundering · shadow · underground
Corrupt payment for influence
- kickbacksIllegal return payments
- graftIllicit political gain
- money launderingDisguising criminal proceeds' origins
- embezzlementFraudulent taking of entrusted assets
collusion · cronyism · patronage · influence peddling · payoffs · skimming · fraud · fixing
Vow sealed by bloodshed
- allegianceLoyalty owed to authority
- fealtyPledged devotion to authority
- devotionDeep, loyal commitment
- brotherhoodKinship among men
bonds · trust · respect · honor code · initiation · sworn · unbreakable · betrayal
godfather
Male baptismal guardian
- donPut on attire
- underbossCriminal organization's deputy
- consigliereMafia boss's trusted counselor
capo · boss · enforcer · hitman · associate · crew · syndicate · cartel · clan · hierarchy
extortion
Obtaining through threats
- intimidationDeliberate fear-inducing pressure
- threatsDeclarations of intended harm
- shakedownForceful extraction of payment
protection racket · racketeering · muscle · violence · retaliation · vendetta · fear · coercion · strongarm · heavies
omertà
Criminal vow of silence
- code of silenceTacit agreement against disclosure
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
- covertIntentionally concealed
back-alley · under-the-table · hidden · veiled · cloak-and-dagger · front business · laundering · shadow · underground · cover-up
bribery
Corrupt payment for influence
- kickbacksIllegal return payments
- graftIllicit political gain
- money launderingDisguising criminal proceeds' origins
embezzlement · collusion · cronyism · patronage · influence peddling · payoffs · skimming · fraud · fixing · dirty money
blood oath
Vow sealed by bloodshed
- allegianceLoyalty owed to authority
- fealtyPledged devotion to authority
- devotionDeep, loyal commitment
brotherhood · bonds · trust · respect · honor code · initiation · sworn · unbreakable · betrayal · turncoat
mafialikelawful
Permitted by statute
legitimate · legal · law-abiding · above-board · licit
mafialikeethical
Conforming to moral principles
principled · aboveboard · honorable · scrupulous · upstanding
mafialiketransparent
Allowing light through
open · accountable · aboveboard · forthright · auditable