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.
Free starter pack
Building your Italian vocabulary?
Get the 100 most common Italian words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.
Related Words
Explore Italian by topic
