My understanding of the term has always been that it is an Italian acronym for “death to the French. Cry Italian”. I remember this understanding of the term ever since I was a kid growing up in Niagara Falls. So, initially, it was not a reference to a crime organization. It has an altogether different history in terms of its origin.
I’m fine with it being used for the bills. I think over the years it has taken on a general meaning and it’s more negative history has been quite diluted. Besides, I’m an Italian American and I’m OK with it.
As an aside, when growing up in Niagara falls in the 60s my father was an acquaintance of Peter Maggadino who was the brother of Stefano, the head of a major crime family in the country located in Niagara Falls/Lewiston. He owned a funeral parlor (wouldn’t you know it). I met him once in 1966 when my mother passed and we used them for the funeral. I was 13. He was very nice to me.