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

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

"Even before the final in 1990, the gaffer used to say 'winning a trophy will give you a kick-start'," said Pallister.

From BBC • May 21, 2025

At least that's what we're assuming with the Football Association of Ireland on record as saying that it intends to announce the new gaffer early month.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2024

‘I must go home. They’ve dug up Bagshot Row, and there's the poor old gaffer going down the Hill with his bits of things on a barrow. I must go home!’

From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien

Related Words

• elder
• founder
• grandfather
• ruler