MORE SOPRANOS

• The mob scene • The characters • Mob speak • A penne for your thoughts, Tony

The characters on The Sopranos live in their own world, with their own language, full of gangland double-talk that's foreign to the average viewer. Here's a glossary of some of the most frequently used phrases on the show:

A friend of ours: mob shorthand for introducing one made guy to another made guy.

Agita: anxiety, an upset stomach.

The Books: Indicates membership in the Family. If there is a possibility for promotion, the books are open. If not, they're closed.

Boss: the head of the Family.

Buon' anima: salutation meaning rest his soul.

Capo: the Family member who leads a crew.

Che bruta: How ugly you are.

Clip: to murder; whack, hit, pop, burn, put a contract out.

Consigllere: a trusted Family adviser, always consulted before decisions.

Crew: a group of soldiers under the capo's command.

CW: FBI shorthand for Co-operating Witness.

Eat alone: to be greedy.

Facia bruta: ugly face; for someone you don't like.

Gabagool: (capo cuoll) something to eat.

Goomah (sometimes pronounced "goomar"): a Mafia mistress, also comare.

Guests of the state/government: going to prison.

In the wind: after you leave the witness protection program you are on your own.

Jamook: idiot, loser.

Juice: interest paid to a loan shark for a loan; also vig.

Large: a thousand dollars; also a G.

LCN: FBI talk for La Casa Nostra, or translated, "Our Thing"

Made guy: an indoctrinated member of the Family.

Madonn': Madonna; expression meaning holy cow.

Moe Green special: Murder via a shot in the eye, like the character in the Godfather. A form of "sending a message."

Omertá: the Mafia vow of silence.

Paying tribute: giving the boss a cut of the deal.

Points: percent of incomes cut.

Rat: one who snitches or squeals after arrest.

RICO: Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Passed in 1970 to aid in clamping down on organized crime.

Shylock business: loan-sharking.

Soldier: bottom-level member of an organized crime Family.

Tax: to take a percentage of someone's earnings.

Underboss: second in command to the boss.

Vig: interest paid to a loan shark for the loan.

Waste management business: euphemism for organized crime.

Wearing it: showing off one's status by dressing the part; usually involves an Italian suit, pinky ring, hanky in the breast pocket and gold cufflinks.

Wiseguy: a made guy.