This volume features definitions and explanations for approximately 900 terms from crime lingo and mafia jargon. A guide to the language of the underworld, this dictionary is filled with the words that wiseguys and other criminals use to describe themselves, their associates, their crimes and their actions. Some of the terms are widely used outside of ""mobspeak"", while others are used almost exclusively in the context of criminal and Mafia activity. Without glorifying the criminality of American organized crime, this book defines the language spoken by real-life criminals. Through the words they use, the book provides fascinating insight into the cold, vicious mentality that governs the criminal underworld. Examined here in great detail is the richly flavoured and idiomatic style of speech that is linked to a life of crime based on treachery, violence, survival and acquiring wealth at any cost.