Street
wiseguy
What does wiseguy mean?
A wiseguy is a made man, a full member of the Mafia. It signals someone connected and dangerous, not merely clever.
"You don't shortchange a wiseguy and expect to keep both kneecaps."
Origin
American Mafia slang, 20th century.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'wiseguy' mean in Mafia slang?
It means a made member of an organized-crime family, someone connected and dangerous rather than simply clever.
Is 'wiseguy' the same as 'made man'?
In Mafia usage, yes. A wiseguy is a full, initiated member of the Mafia, equivalent to a made man.
Does 'wiseguy' just mean a smart aleck?
In everyday English it can mean a smart aleck, but in underworld slang it specifically means a made Mafia member.
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