guv'nor

A young man respectfully tips his hat to the guv'nor.

Definition

1. Noun (British slang):
   • A term of address for a man in a position of authority: "guv'nor" is used to respectfully address a boss, employer, manager, or someone in charge, especially in informal or working-class contexts.
   • A father or older male relative: In colloquial use, "guv'nor" can also mean one's father or an older male figure, similar to "dad" or "old man."

Usage Examples

• Addressing an authority figure:

  • The foreman said, "The guv'nor wants to see you in his office." (The boss or manager requested a meeting.)
  • "All right, guv'nor?" the taxi driver called out to the customer. (A friendly greeting to the passenger, acknowledging him as the one in charge of the ride.)

• Referring to a father:

  • My guv'nor taught me everything I know about carpentry. (My father instructed me in the trade.)
  • She's gone to visit her guv'nor for the weekend. (She is visiting her father.)

Advanced Usage

• "The guv'nor": Used as a definite title to refer to the person in charge of a business, pub, or workplace.

  • The guv'nor of this pub is a strict but fair man. (The owner or manager of the establishment is firm yet just.)

• "Guv" (abbreviation): A shortened form of "guv'nor," used in direct address.

  • "Excuse me, guv, can you tell me the time?" (A polite way to ask a stranger for information, assuming the person is in a position of authority or respect.)

Variants and Related Words

• Guv (noun, abbreviation): The informal, shortened form of "guv'nor."

  • The guv said we could leave early today. (The boss permitted an early departure.)

• Guv'nor (alternative spelling): A variant spelling retaining the apostrophe to indicate the dropped syllable.

  • He's the guv'nor around here, so don't argue. (He is the person in charge, so obey him.)

Synonyms

• Boss: a person who manages or directs workers.
• Manager: a person responsible for controlling or administering an organization or group.
• Employer: a person or organization that employs people.
• Gaffer: a colloquial term for a boss or foreman, especially in manual trades.
• Old man: an informal term for one's father.

Related Idioms

• "To be the guv'nor": To be the person in charge or the best at something.

  • In this kitchen, the head chef is the guv'nor. (The head chef has ultimate authority.)

• "To call someone guv'nor": To address someone respectfully, often to show deference or to ask for a favour.

  • The street vendor called out, "Guv'nor, have a look at these watches!" (The vendor used the term to attract a customer's attention politely.)