Rafia

n. a derogatory name for the Provisional Irish Republican Army, a paramilitary and political group seeking the reunification of Ireland. Subjects: English, Ireland, United Kingdom, Military, Politics

Etymological Note: Republican Army + mafia ‘the Italian mob; a criminal organization.’

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Citations: 2004 Suzanne Breen (Belfast News Letter) (Ireland) (Oct. 21) “Ulster—Sicily without the sun” p. 15: Forget romantic notions of the Provos as a liberation army, says McDonald. They’re [sic] leadership and lieutenants are “the Rafia.” 2005 Thomas Harding @ London, England Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) (Feb. 22) “Sinn Fein chiefs ‘sitting at IRA’s top table’”: The Provisional IRA, once regarded as a staunch defender of the Catholic community, is rapidly losing all credibility over allegations of money laundering, theft and murder. It is already being referred to in some Catholic areas as the “Rafia,” in reference to the organised crime that has generated millions to bankroll Sinn Fein’s political ambitions. 2005 Ben English @ London, England Herald Sun (Australia) (Mar. 5) “Brave siblings stand up to IRA”: Previously unheard of graffiti of “IRA scum out” emerged on Belfast’s streets while a new expression was adopted for the paramilitary force: Rafia—a hybrid of the street word for the Provisionals “Ra” and the Mafia.

Posted 4 Mar 05 | Permalink | Tell a Friend

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