Literal translation into the American Language is "Captain". People have used and continue to use this term to characterize a Mafia family member to signify their relevance and importance to their family. A captain "orders" soldiers to do certain tasks needed. Capos get their orders from underbosses, who get them from the family Consigliere, who gets his from the boss.
by bada_bing0 April 03, 2008