Street
made man
What does made man mean?
A made man is a formally initiated member of a Cosa Nostra family who has taken the oath of omertà. Being 'made' confers status and protection within the organization.
"Once he was a made man, no one could touch him without the boss's say-so."
Origin
American Mafia slang, mid-20th century.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'made man' mean?
It refers to a fully initiated member of a Mafia family who has taken the oath of omertà, giving him status and protection within the organization.
How do you become a made man?
Through a formal initiation ceremony into a Cosa Nostra family, after which no one may harm him without the boss's approval.
Is 'made man' a real Mafia term?
Yes. It is genuine American Mafia slang from the mid-20th century, describing an official, initiated member as opposed to an associate.
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