Gaffer


[gaf-er] /ˈgæf ər/

noun
1.
the chief electrician on a motion-picture or television production.
2.
Informal. an old man.
3.
British. a foreman or overseer, especially the boss of a group of physical laborers.
4.
Glassmaking. a master glassblower responsible for shaping glassware.
/ˈɡæfə/
noun
1.
an old man, esp one living in the country: often used affectionately or patronizingly Compare gammer
2.
(informal, mainly Brit) a boss, foreman, or owner of a factory, mine, etc
3.
the senior electrician on a television or film set
n.

1580s, “elderly rustic,” apparently a contraction of godfather (cf. gammer); originally “old man,” it was applied from 1841 to foremen and supervisors, which sense carried over 20c. to “electrician in charge of lighting on a film set.”

interjection

An exclamation of disgust; yuck

[1990s+; perhaps imitating vomiting]

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  • Gaffle

    [gaf-uh l] /ˈgæf əl/ New England (chiefly Maine) . verb (used with object), gaffled, gaffling. 1. to take hold of; seize. verb (used without object), gaffled, gaffling. 2. to take as one’s own (used in the phrase gaffle on to): I’m going to gaffle on to that last piece of pie.

  • Gaffling

    [gaf-uh l] /ˈgæf əl/ New England (chiefly Maine) . verb (used with object), gaffled, gaffling. 1. to take hold of; seize. verb (used without object), gaffled, gaffling. 2. to take as one’s own (used in the phrase gaffle on to): I’m going to gaffle on to that last piece of pie.

  • Gaffney

    [gaf-nee] /ˈgæf ni/ noun 1. a city in N South Carolina.

  • Gaff-rig

    noun, Nautical. 1. a sailboat rig having one or more fore-and-aft gaff sails.


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