gaffer

[ gaf-er ]

noun

1. the chief electrician on the set of a movie or television show.
2. Informal. an old man.
3. British Informal.
   1. a boss, supervisor, or manager.
   2. a foreman or overseer in charge of a group of physical laborers:

      a factory gaffer.

   3. the coach or manager of a sports team.
4. Glassmaking. a master glassblower responsible for shaping glassware.

gaffer

/ ˈɡæfə /

noun

1. an old man, esp one living in the country: often used affectionately or patronizingly Compare gammer
2. informal.
   a boss, foreman, or owner of a factory, mine, etc
3. the senior electrician on a television or film set

Word History and Origins

Origin of gaffer¹

First recorded in 1565–75; contraction of godfather

Word History and Origins

Origin of gaffer¹

C16: alteration of godfather

Example Sentences

"We went into the dressing room at half-time and the gaffer says, 'what the hell is going on?'," he says.

From BBC

How will the gaffer run cables to power the lights to shoot inside a gas chamber?

From Los Angeles Times

This is the second time England have tried it and the second time they have reverted to one gaffer in pretty quick time.

From BBC

Then you also have the writers and the directors, gaffers, actors.

From Salon

He gives an example of a gaffer he'd worked with - whose role it is to manage lighting - who had more than 30 years' experience.

From BBC

Related Words

• elder
• founder
• grandfather
• ruler