[miss marmelstein]

My husband’s entire, YUGE Italian-American family doesn’t use male diminutives so I would say that’s not always true. It may be more of a Mafia thing, who knows.

[Dr. Sivana]

My husband’s entire, YUGE Italian-American family doesn’t use male diminutives so I would say that’s not always true. It may be more of a Mafia thing, who knows.

Or, it could have to do with what part of Italy you are from. "Sally's Apizza" in New Haven was started by a great, non-Mafia guy on Wooster Street in New Haven near Rosa DeLauro (the Wicked Witch of Connecticut in the House). My brother in-law who is of Italian descent goes by Joey and he called my sister Regina 'Gina. He is not Mafia.

Also, those of Italian descent until the present generation were keen on having a "Jr.", which provides a practical use for the diminutive, and sometimes sticks for life.