The Meaning Behind the Term 'La Cosa Nostra': Understanding Its Italian Origins and Linguistic Nuances

When discussing the origins and meanings of terms related to organized crime, particularly those used in Italian, it's essential to dissect the etymology and cultural significance behind each phrase. One such term is 'La Cosa Nostra,' a phrase frequently invoked in discussions of criminal organizations. This article explores the origins of 'La Cosa Nostra' and why it is sometimes used instead of the more straightforward 'Cosa Nostra.'

Origins of 'La Cosa Nostra'

'La Cosa Nostra' is an Italian phrase that translates to 'Our Thing' or 'Our Business.' It is a term derived from the Sicilian criminal society known as the Mafia, which is one of the most notable and historically significant criminal organizations in the world. The term 'Cosa Nostra' can be traced back to the Sicilian Mafia's use of the word 'cosa' to describe their criminal activities and 'nostra' as an expression of exclusivity or territoriality.

Why 'La Cosa Nostra' Instead of 'Cosa Nostra'?

It's worth noting that the addition of 'La' before 'Cosa Nostra' by the FBI is a linguistic inaccuracy. 'La' is the feminine definite article in Italian and translates to 'the' in English, not 'there' as suggested in the original text. This confusion has led to the widespread use of 'La Cosa Nostra,' even among law enforcement agencies, despite its incorrect etymological origins.

Understanding 'Cosa Nostra')

'Cosa Nostra' means 'Our Thing' or 'Our Business' in Italian. It encapsulates the sense of ownership and exclusivity that these criminal enterprises hold. 'Cosa Nostra' is often used to refer to a specific 'family,' 'clan,' or 'cosca' within the larger criminal organization. In Sicilian society, these organizations are known as a 'family' or 'clan,' and each operates in a particular borgata or neighborhood, engaging in various criminal enterprises or rackets.

The territory of 'Cosa Nostra' is mostly based in western Sicily, particularly in cities like Palermo, Trapani, and Agrigento. There are also other similar mafia-type criminal clans operating in other areas of Sicily, particularly in the southern part of the island. According to some estimates, the membership of these organizations is roughly around 2000, though this can vary over time.

Etymology and Cultural Significance

According to Joseph Bonanno, a fellow crime boss named Vincente Mangano, who headed the former Gambino family, frequently referred to their criminal enterprise as 'cosa nostra.' This phrase soon became a common term used by other criminal groups, and the FBI adopted it as well, adding the prefatory 'La.'

'Cosa Nostra' is deeply rooted in a code of conduct and honor called omertà, which emphasizes the importance of silence (never to testify against a fellow member) and the protection of one's family and community. This code is a central tenet in maintaining the secrecy and exclusivity of these criminal organizations.

Historical Context of 'Mafia'

The term 'Mafia' itself has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. It originated from a play that became very popular in Sicily and then throughout Italy, popularizing the term among the general population. Members of the criminal organization would sometimes refer to it as 'The Honored Society.' The term 'mafia' had nothing to do with the organized crime connotation it has today; in its original usage, it was a slang term meaning a bully with a certain amount of swagger.

The evolution of the term 'Mafia' in the United States was influenced by the influx of Sicilians and other southern Italians who brought their cultural and criminal practices to the New World. Over time, 'La Cosa Nostra' and 'Mafia' became synonymous with organized crime in the Americas, often associated with the Italian-American mafia, particularly in cities like New York, Chicago, and Boston.

Conclusion

'La Cosa Nostra' and 'Cosa Nostra' are terms with deep historical and cultural significance. Understanding their origins and usage can provide valuable insights into the nature of organized crime, particularly in Sicily. While the addition of 'La' by the FBI is a linguistic inaccuracy, the term remains widely used in the discourse surrounding criminal organizations. The phrase encapsulates a sense of exclusivity, territoriality, and a code of conduct that has been central to these criminal enterprises for centuries.