“6 Mafia” is the nickname fans gave to the first six employees who joined Google after its two founders. These six people were not gangsters—it’s just a playful name because they were a tight, early team that helped build the company from almost nothing.
In everyday talk, someone might say, “She was part of the 6 Mafia,” meaning she was one of Google’s earliest hires. Tech workers and investors use the term to signal “I was there when it started,” the same way early Apple employees are called the “Mac Mafia.”
Meaning & Usage Examples
- “Craig Silverstein—he’s original 6 Mafia.”
- “Joining as employee #7? Close, but not quite 6 Mafia.”
- “Their 6 Mafia stock made them rich after the IPO.”
Context / Common Use
You’ll hear it in Silicon Valley meet-ups, podcasts, or Twitter threads when people discuss Google’s early days. It’s a quick way to highlight insider status without sounding arrogant.
Is the 6 Mafia still at Google?
Most have left; a few, like Susan Wojcicki, stayed for years before moving on to new ventures.
Can other companies have a “6 Mafia”?
Sure—startups sometimes jokingly call their first six hires the “6 Mafia,” but the phrase is most linked to Google.
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