Rafia n. a derogatory name for the Provisional Irish Republican Army, a paramilitary and political group seeking the reunification of Ireland. Etymological Note: Republican Army + mafia ‘the Italian mob; a criminal organization.’ (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
Understanding the varieties of conversational styles can mean the difference between feeling you’re understood and being insulted. “High-involvement” speakers interrupt or talk along with someone else to signal their enthusiasm...
Rowan in Ottawa, Ontario, says her Irish mom used a puzzling word to indicate a sort of restless discontent not caused by anything in particular. It may be neamhchinnte, which means “uncertain” or “indecisive.” This is part...