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mazzetta

bribe

noun maht-TSET-tah Rare

Also means

bundle of banknotes

Usage Note

Mazzetta is a diminutive of mazza (club, bundle) but its predominant modern meaning is a bribe or kickback, especially in political or public-procurement corruption. It became widely known during the Tangentopoli ('Bribesville') investigations of the 1990s. In a neutral sense it can also mean a small bundle of bills or a stonemason's mallet.

Examples

"L'assessore è accusato di aver ricevuto mazzette."

Natural Translation

The councillor is accused of having received bribes.

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