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

"Thank you for everything and all the best in the next chapter, Gaffer."

From BBC • Jul. 16, 2024

Gaffer calls me 'mother hen' because I see them as my little chicks.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2021

Poor Gaffer had struggled to something like 15 from 120 balls, every single run a gift from above, and his eyes lit up when Jayasuriya pitched a short one miles wide of leg stump.

From The Guardian • Jan. 23, 2013

Gaffer tape is used by production companies to stick cords to a stage floor, but it has other uses as well.

From New York Times • Feb. 25, 2010

But the Gaffer did not convince his audience.

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

Related Words

• elder
• founder
• grandfather
• ruler