Street
underboss
What does underboss mean?
The underboss is the deputy to the boss of a Mafia family, ranking above the capos.
"The underboss ran day-to-day business while the boss stayed insulated."
Origin
American Mafia slang; calque of Italian 'sottocapo.'
Frequently asked questions
What is an 'underboss'?
The second-in-command of a Mafia crime family, deputy to the boss and ranking above the capos who run individual crews.
Where does the word come from?
It is a direct English rendering (calque) of the Italian Mafia rank 'sottocapo', literally 'under-head' or under-boss.
What does the underboss actually do?
He typically handles day-to-day operations and relays orders, allowing the boss to stay insulated from direct involvement.
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