administration: the upper-level power structure of an organized crime Family, composed of the boss, underboss, and consigliere.
associate: an almost-there; someone who works with and for wiseguys, but who hasn't been sworn in as a member of the Family.
babania: Heroin, as in dealing. Lucrative but risky for mob insiders because if they're busted, long prison terms might compel them to cut a deal and squeal.
babbo: A dope, idiot, useless underling.
beef: a complaint or disagreement within the organization, usually discussed during a sit-down with higher-ups in the Family.
big earner: someone who makes a lot of money for the Family. A LOT of money.
books, the: euphemism for membership in the Family, since nothing is ever written down. When there is an availability (when someone dies), the books are "opened." When no one is being "made," the books are "closed."
borgata: a crime Family; brugad.
boss: the head of the crime Family; he is the only one who gives permission to "whack" or "make" someone, and he makes money from all Family operations; synonyms: don, chairman.
Boss of Bosses; Capo di tutti capi: While no one proclaims himself the Boss of Bosses anymore, the press awards this title to whomever they feel is the boss of the strongest of the five Families