Thank You, BoingBoing
The "malocchio" (and the counteracting horned-hand, offered with a pfffst from the lips) is part of my vocab because of Citizen Mom. And I remember hearing about it from the Italian-American clergy who taught at my high school. But apparently Ronnie James Dio is like, the true pimp of the mano cornuta. I am ashamed that I did not know this.
BoingBoing: History of the Evil Eye
(Side note: I'm still wondering why the Supersuckers spelled it Mano Cornuda on their 1994 LP, which has "Born With a Tail" on it. That song is awesome.)
8:54 am
CORRECTION: "Born With A Tail" is on The Sacrilicious Sounds Of The Supersuckers," the band's 1995 album. Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ah6BU-enEg4
"I'm waiting for my last ride as the bugle of my backside blows a blues in B."
8:54 am
SHIT. Forgot to close the italics tag.