Capos

/ˈkeɪpoʊz/ noun

Definition

Plural of capo: either clamp devices placed on guitar or other stringed instrument necks to change the pitch, or the heads of crime organizations (from Mafia terminology).

Etymology

From Italian capo meaning 'head.' In music, capo comes from capo tasto (Italian for 'head/fret'). In crime terminology, capo (plural capi) refers to a lieutenant in organized crime.

Kelly Says

The word 'capo' brilliantly shows how one Italian word—meaning simply 'head'—became useful in music, crime, and everyday language across completely different fields!

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