La parola ‘mafia’

Long since a synonym of Italian, the word mafia has been subject to the most incredible ‘etymologies’, of which prevails an incorrect meaning of villainy, ‘beauty’, perfection, bravery. For homogeneity it was ascribed to similar Arabic words (ma_ia_, ma_fil) while for years it had circulated consolidated in its m/f gender (mafara, Mafusio, Mafie etc.) relating to hard, rough and dirty physical and moral conditions.

Pasquale Natella

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