One of the three main regional Italian mafias that is probably the least known. It hails from Calabria and differs in structure from the more well-known Cosa Nostra from Sicily in that it is a more horizontal structure in which the majority of its members/associates have blood ties. Training in the "life" starts at a very young age on 'ndrangheta children. There are entire Calabrian towns consisting of 'ndrangheta families in which few outsiders or law enforcement dare to pass through.
A member of this organization can possibly be referred to as an 'ndrinu (ndree-new, that's with a rolling 'r'). Although this would not be mentioned in public as Italians generally use euphemisms when talking about mafiosos.
by C in TO December 20, 2004