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yakuza
[ yah-koo-zah ]
noun
, plural ya·ku·za.
- any of various tightly knit Japanese criminal organizations having a ritualistic, strict code of honor.
- such organizations collectively.
- a member of such an organization; gangster.
yakuza
/ jəˈkuːzə /
noun
- the yakuzaa Japanese criminal organization involved in illegal gambling, extortion, gun-running, etc
- a member of this organization
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Word History and Origins
Origin of yakuza1
1960–65; < Japanese: racketeer, gambler, good-for-nothing, useless, from the name of a game in which the worst hand is of three cards marked ya eight, ku nine (< Middle Chinese, equivalent to Chinese jiǒu ), and -za three (combining form of sa ( n ) < Middle Chinese, equivalent to Chinese sān )
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Word History and Origins
Origin of yakuza1
C20: from Japanese ya eight + ku nine + za three, the worst hand in a game of cards
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Example Sentences
The Japanese judges have established that yakuza bosses have “employer liability” for the actions of their subordinates.
From The Daily Beast
Japan has 21 major yakuza groups with listed offices and a very public existence.
From The Daily Beast
The yakuza were traditionally federations of gamblers (bakuto) and street merchants (tekiya).
From The Daily Beast
Japanese law enforcement uses all the laws available to crack down on the yakuza.
From The Daily Beast
According to the National Police Agency, yakuza membership peaked in 1963, at approximately 184,100 members.
From The Daily Beast
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