As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can shed some light on the slang term “box of ziti” and its origins. In the crime-drama series The Sopranos, this phrase is used as a metaphor for one thousand dollars. It signifies a bribe or illegal payment in the context of the show's organized crime narrative. This term has gained popularity and has become colloquial in certain areas, particularly in New York.
The use of food items as metaphors for money is not uncommon in slang and popular culture. In this case, “ziti” refers to a type of pasta, specifically rigatoni, that is shaped like tubes or cylinders. The term “box of ziti” suggests a specific amount of money, which is one thousand dollars. This is likely due to the association of the box of pasta with a square shape, reminiscent of a stack of bills.
The phrase “box of ziti” has transcended its origin in The Sopranos and has been adopted in everyday language, particularly in New York. It has become a shorthand way of referring to a thousand dollars, often in the context of illicit or unreported transactions. The term can be used humorously or ironically, acknowledging its connection to organized crime culture.
Interestingly, the term “box of ziti” made headlines in February 2018 when it was used by Andrew Cuomo, the Governor of New York, during the sentencing of a bribery scheme. Joseph Pereco, the individual involved in the scheme, was sentenced for accepting a box of ziti, or a thousand dollars, in exchange for illegal favors. Cuomo's use of the term highlighted its prevalence and recognition within New York's political and legal circles.
The slang term “box of ziti” originated from the crime-drama series The Sopranos, where it was used as a metaphor for one thousand dollars. It has since become colloquial in New York and is used to signify a bribe or illegal payment. Its association with organized crime culture has contributed to its popularity and recognition in various contexts, including politics and law enforcement.