Definition

1. Noun:
   • An elderly man, especially one from a rural area: This is an informal, often slightly old-fashioned or regional term for an old man.
   • A person who exercises control over workers; a foreman or boss: This usage is common in British English, referring to the person in charge, especially of a group of manual laborers.
   • The chief electrician on a film or television set: In the film and television industry, the "gaffer" is the head of the electrical department, responsible for lighting design and execution.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Elderly man):

  • The old gaffer sat on the bench, telling stories to the children.
  • He's a friendly local gaffer who has lived in the village all his life.

• Noun (Foreman/Boss):

  • The gaffer said we could finish early if the job was done.
  • You'll need to get permission from the gaffer before using that equipment.

• Noun (Chief electrician):

  • The director consulted with the gaffer about the mood of the next scene.
  • The gaffer and the best boy set up the key light for the interview.

Advanced Usage

• "The Gaffer": Often used as a familiar or respectful title for the person in charge.
  • What's the plan, Gaffer? (Meaning: What is your decision, boss?)
• In sports (particularly British football/soccer), "gaffer" is a colloquial term for the team manager.
  • The players have great respect for the gaffer.

Variants and Related Words

• Gaff (noun): A tool with a hook; also, a blunder or mistake. (Note: This is a different word, but it is related etymologically to "gaffer" in its original sense of a hooked pole.)
• Foreman (noun): A worker, especially a man, who supervises and directs other workers. (A close synonym for the "boss" meaning.)
• Best Boy (noun): In film/TV, the gaffer's chief assistant.

Synonyms

• Elderly man: old-timer, old fellow, codger (informal).
• Boss: foreman, supervisor, manager, overseer.
• Chief electrician: lighting director, head electrician.

Related Phrases

• To ask the gaffer: To seek approval from the person in authority.
  • Don't just start the job; you have to ask the gaffer first.
• The gaffer's orders: The instructions or commands from the boss.
  • We're just following the gaffer's orders.

Related Idioms

• Too clever by half for the gaffer: An expression suggesting someone is being overly clever or tricky in a way that the boss will not appreciate or will see through.
  • Don't try that scheme; you're being too clever by half for the gaffer.

Noun

1. a person who exercises control over workers
   • if you want to leave early you have to ask the foreman
2. an electrician responsible for lighting on a movie or tv set
3. an elderly man