I've heard that theory-but I think Nimalo's is more credible. You see, Nimalo's definition and explanation-beyond the concept of swagger, also conveys the sense of "toughness", and being "macho". That is something that early(and indeed, modern) Mafiosi put a premium on.
So-like Nimalo said- "Mafiosi" most likely comes from an Arabic word meaning, basically, "tough guy".
"I snort. I drink I kill. I am not a kid-I am a man."

Here is one theory:
Mafia was originally an acronym that stood for
Morta
Alla
Francia
Italia
Anela"
Which translates as "Death to France. This is Italy's cry"
Would a Cupcake kill you?

I have read many theories and I guess the most plausible is that the word is derived from an Arabic term (Arabs colonized Sicily in the middle ages).
I am copying from a guy on Yahoo Answers because I'm lazy
"The word 'mafia' derives form of old Sicilian adjective "mafiusu" which has its roots in the Arabic mahjas, meaning "aggressive boasting, bragging". Roughly translated it means "swagger""
But it is debated, nobody is sure about it.
Maybe that's because, as some of our politicians say, "mafia doesn't exist"?

ya i know, u posted this on your own thread

Ever Wonder Why the Vast Majority of Americans Associate Italians With Organized Crime?
Wonder who the media is diverting attention away from? >>>>>

ok so what is your theory nimalo??

There are many theories about the origin of the word mafia - but that one is certainly not correct.

wow never knew that

Mafia= "Mothers And Fathers of Italian Americans"
I was born in the house my father built

so ur saying the mafia is bigger in the states than in italy???
By at least a million times bigger. Do some research, your mind will be blown.

one of the most biggest is the Ndrangheta, with branches in North+south America, Mexico, Europe, and Australia
It originates from Calabria

Linop90 is right, the Mafia really started in southern Italy. That only seems "close enough" to people who don't really know too much about it. Naples, Calabria, Sicilythose were mafia strongholds.
Livia would've said "Ugh, he died in the Nawwwthhh"
"I shall wear this (bruise) as a badge of honor"
"Wear it in silence, or I'll honor you again"

Now why in the world would a hit be put out on James Gandolfini?

ok fine but he was close enough

The mafia was created to free Sicily, from French rule.
He didnt die in Sicily which at that time was not part of a unified Italy.
Eat the Neocons.

ya but ur straying from the point. the REAL ORIGINAL mafia was based in Italy where James died who is most famous for playing a mafioso in the sopranos. smells like a hit to me as someone else said

No im saying that the states is controlled by its own mafia, the WASPS, and the Jews who finance everything, dictate foreign policy.
Eat the Neocons.

so ur saying the mafia is bigger in the states than in italy???

He didnt die in the USA, which is run by a wasp mafia and a jewish mafia.
Eat the Neocons.

Russia?