HBO Offers Visual Dictionary for Hit Mafia Series 'The Sopranos'
Deciphering head-scratching mobster jargon.
HBO has shared a 10-minute video that deciphers some of the most head-scratching mafia jargon used throughout the series The Sopranos. The show first debuted in 1999, running for six seasons until 2007, and it’s still regarded as one of HBO’s most successful series to date.
The video is laced with clips from the show that highlight commonly used slangs by Italian-American mobs. Though not directly related to mobster language, one such word examined is “gabagool,” “the Northeastern U.S. term for capicola, a pork cold cut.” Another deciphered word is “Madone,” which according to HBO is “an abbreviation for Madonna, invoked to convey heartfelt surprise at news, typically of the unfortunate variety. My Lord, My Heavens, etc.” “Stugots” is an “English term derived from Italian referencing male genitalia[,] also the name of the Sopranos’ boat.” The video is packed with a slew of other more comicly arcane words and phrases, a helpful tool that let’s you understand the show’s intricate dialogue a little better.
Scroll above for a look at HBO’s 10-minute visual dictionary breaking down The Sopranos‘ mafia jargon.
For more from HBO, here’s a look at the first teaser trailer of Jordan Peele and J.J. Abrams’ Lovecraft Country.
