gaffer
gaffer Lexical Profile
gaffer Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The chief electrician or head of the lighting department on a film or television production set, responsible for executing the lighting plan under the director of photography.
"The director of photography consulted with the gaffer to adjust the key lights before shooting the evening scene."
British A person in charge of others, such as a boss, foreman, or the manager of a sports team (especially in association football).
"The players knew they would face a stern lecture from the gaffer in the dressing room after conceding three goals in the first half."
British An old man, especially a rustic or countryman.
"An old gaffer sitting by the tavern hearth regaled the travelers with tales of how the village looked seventy years ago."
A master glassblower who leads a team of artisans in a glassblowing workshop.
"With practiced precision, the gaffer shaped the molten glass at the end of the blowpipe while his assistants prepared the molds."
• Rhymes for gaffer
Word Origin & Etymology
Originating in the late 16th century, "gaffer" is most likely a phonetic contraction of "godfather" (or "grandfather"), used historically as a respectful rural title for an elderly man alongside its female counterpart, "gammer" (from "godmother").