Gaffer

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈɡæf.ər/

Definitions

• An elderly man, especially one with authority.
• The chief lighting technician in a film or television production.
• (British, informal) A boss or foreman in a workplace.

Usage Examples

• "The old gaffer had plenty of stories to tell about the town's history."
• "The gaffer adjusted the lighting to create the perfect mood for the scene."
• "The workers were waiting for instructions from the gaffer before starting the next task."

Etymology

Derived from the 16th-century English term "godfather," later evolving into "gaffer" to refer to an older man or a supervisor.

Synonyms

• Boss
• Foreman
• Chief
• Veteran

Antonyms

• Subordinate
• Novice
• Follower

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /ˈɡæf.ər/
• American English: /ˈɡæf.ɚ/
• Australian English: /ˈɡæf.ər/

Historical Usage

Originally used in the 16th century to refer to an elderly man, "gaffer" became a common term for a foreman or supervisor in British workplaces. It later gained its modern meaning in the film and television industry.

Cultural Nuances

In British slang, "gaffer" is often used affectionately to refer to a boss, while in the film industry, it is a formal job title.

More Information

Gaffers play a crucial role in film production, managing lighting and electrical setups to ensure the right atmosphere and visual quality. The term is also used in sports to refer to team managers.