gaff
gaff Lexical Profile
gaff Game Scores & Validity
• noun
British A person's house, apartment, or general place of residence.
"After the pub closed, we decided to head back to his gaff for a cup of tea."
A sturdy pole with a sharp hook at the end, used for landing large fish.
"The seasoned angler reached for the gaff to securely haul the massive tuna onto the deck."
A spar used in sailing ships to support and extend the upper edge of a fore-and-aft sail.
"The sudden, fierce gust of wind put immense strain on the gaff, threatening to snap it."
• verb
To strike, secure, or land (a fish) using a pole with a large hook.
"It took two crew members to gaff the thrashing shark and pull it aboard the vessel safely."
To secretly rig or tamper with gambling equipment to ensure a dishonest outcome.
"The casino quickly realized that the dice had been gaffed by the high-rolling patrons."
To deceive, trick, or take advantage of someone.
"The swindler managed to gaff several unsuspecting tourists into buying counterfeit souvenirs."
Word Nuance & Usage
Care must be taken not to confuse 'gaff' (a fishing tool, sailing spar, or slang for house) with its homophone 'gaffe', which refers to a socially awkward or tactless mistake.
• Rhymes for gaff
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the Old Provençal 'gaf' (boat hook), ultimately of Celtic or Germanic origin. The informal British meaning 'house' or 'shop' arose in the 18th century, initially referring to a cheap, rowdy theater.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.