gaffer

American  

[gaf-er] / ˈgæf ər /

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.

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gaffer British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of gaffer

First recorded in 1565–75; contraction of godfather

Explanation

A gaffer is a member of a movie or television crew. The gaffer runs the production's electrical department. One of the jobs credited at the end of a film is the gaffer. A gaffer is responsible for the electricity that powers the lights, so her job is vital to the success of the movie. You can also call a gaffer a Chief Lighting Technician, and you can call her assistant a Best Boy. The word gaffer is also sometimes used to mean "old man," which is the oldest meaning of the word, originally a contraction of godfather.

Example Sentences

It’s telling that while Mr. Deakins takes pains to praise his longtime gaffer, key grip, dolly grip, best boy and more, he never bothers to define those roles for the lay reader.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

The opinion that really matters, though, is that of his gaffer and Rohl is clearly a big fan.

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2026

"This is a big move for me, but as soon as I knew the gaffer was interested and really liked me, it didn't take much time to decide," Ramsey told Newcastle's club website.

From BBC • Aug. 17, 2025

This means he ensures the director feels comfortable with the gaffer, the dolly grip, the key grip, so that there’s no one on set that feels like a stranger.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 17, 2025

He tapped the side of his nose with a finger like an old gaffer telling a story.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

Related Words

• elder
• founder
• grandfather
• ruler