Made man

In the American Mafia, made man is a term for a fully initiated member of the Mafia. Other common names for members include "man of honor" (Italian:uomo d'onore), "one of us", "good fella", and "wiseguy"; although the last two can also apply to non-initiated Mafia associates who work closely with the Mafia, rather than just official "made men." Earning or making one's "bones" or "button" or becoming a "button man" for the Mafia is usually synonymous with becoming a "made man." Other street terms for being initiated into the Mafia include "being straightened out," "baptized," and earning one's "badge." "Soldato" (Italian for "soldier") is also usually synonymous with "made man," as one must generally be officially "made" in order to move from the rank of "associate" to the rank of "soldato." "The books are open" is a phrase used in the Mafia to indicate that a particular Mafia family is ready to accept new members; conversely, if a family is unwilling or unable to accept new members, the "books are closed." In Sicily, the proper term for a member of the Sicilian Mafia is in Italian "uomo d'onore", or in Sicilian "omu d'onuri". Mafioso is a common term used by the press and academics, but is not used by members themselves.