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camorra

Camorra (Neapolitan mafia)

noun kah-MOR-rah Rare
People & Society Crime

Origin: Origin uncertain; possibly from Spanish 'camorra' (quarrel) or Neapolitan dialect.

Usage Note

Camorra refers specifically to the organised crime syndicate based in Naples and Campania — distinct from the Sicilian mafia or Calabrian 'ndrangheta. Unlike those organisations, the Camorra is notably decentralised, operating as loosely affiliated clan rather than a single hierarchy. The word is always capitalised when referring to the organisation.

Examples

"La camorra controlla molti quartieri di Napoli."

Natural Translation

The Camorra controls many neighbourhoods of Naples.

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