on the arm -- origin (2025)

Hi there,

I heard the phrase "on the arm" in the movie Donnie Brasco (1997), about a mafia guy (Al Pacino) and an undercover policeman (Johnny Depp). I learned that it's police lingo for "free of charge." Any idea as to its origin? Is it that the policeman might have threatened with his gun? I doubt it, but I'm just trying to figure out the "arm" in there.

Thanks!

From the script:

LEFTY (scolding) Donnie -- why'd you pay for that drink? Wiseguy never pays for a drink. DONNIE Okay. I didn't know. LEFTY Always on the arm.

Hi Paul,

Yes, but I meant why "on the arm"? Why the word arm? Maybe it's clear to natives, but I am not seeing through the phrasing of this one.

According to wiki.answers.com,

The phrase On The Arm came from the Mafia.​

To show their respects to the Mafia Boss who protected their neighborhood or fear of being extorted, the store owners would not allow them to pay for items.

The store owners would take their right hand and brush it against their left arm as a way of saying, "Forget about it" No charge, Free, (Fuhgeddaboudit)

Click to expand...

Maybe there's a Mafioso on this forum who can confirm this...

susanna76 said:

Hi there,

I heard the phrase "on the arm" in the movie Donnie Brasco (1997), about a mafia guy (Al Pacino) and an undercover policeman (Johnny Depp). I learned that it's police lingo for "free of charge." Any idea as to its origin? Is it that the policeman might have threatened with his gun? I doubt it, but I'm just trying to figure out the "arm" in there.

Thanks!

From the script:

LEFTY (scolding) Donnie -- why'd you pay for that drink? Wiseguy never pays for a drink. DONNIE Okay. I didn't know. LEFTY Always on the arm.

Click to expand...

It means free or on the house... Lefty was saying drinks for wiseguys are on the house/free (on the arm).

Only conjecture, but I will guess that it's "on the arm" because "I will carry you".
-Mike

susanna76 said:

Hi Paul,

Yes, but I meant why "on the arm"? Why the word arm? Maybe it's clear to natives, but I am not seeing through the phrasing of this one.

Click to expand...

Yes, but the notion of "carry" implies use of arms....
-Mike

susanna76 said:

Or some way to say "I'll take care of it." Thank you, airportzombie, defscottyb, and MadHatMike!

Click to expand...

susanna76 said:

Hi there,

I heard the phrase "on the arm" in the movie Donnie Brasco (1997), about a mafia guy (Al Pacino) and an undercover policeman (Johnny Depp). I learned that it's police lingo for "free of charge." Any idea as to its origin? Is it that the policeman might have threatened with his gun? I doubt it, but I'm just trying to figure out the "arm" in there.

Thanks!

From the script:

LEFTY (scolding) Donnie -- why'd you pay for that drink? Wiseguy never pays for a drink. DONNIE Okay. I didn't know. LEFTY Always on the arm.

Click to expand...

I grew up in the same area of Brooklyn as Donnie Brasco. On the arm means that you will pay it later. Some people will request for you to put it on the arm with the intention of never paying .