gaff: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal (for slang meanings); Technical (for fishing/sailing meanings)
Quick answer
What does “gaff” mean?
A stick with a hook for landing large fish.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A stick with a hook for landing large fish.
1. A spar on a sailing ship. 2. (Slang) A place of residence, especially one's home. 3. (Slang) A trick, con, or hoax. 4. (Slang) Harsh criticism or abuse.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The slang meaning 'one's home' is predominantly British. The fishing/sailing terms are shared. The phrase 'blow the gaff' (reveal a secret) is chiefly British.
Connotations
In UK slang, 'gaff' (home) is neutral to slightly informal. In US usage, it is rarely used outside of fishing/sailing contexts or the phrase 'stand the gaff' (endure hardship).
Frequency
Much more frequent in UK English due to its common slang usage. In US English, it is a low-frequency word outside specific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “gaff” in a Sentence
blow the gaff (on sb/sth)stand the gaffgaff a fishVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gaff” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He managed to gaff the salmon after a long fight.
- I'll just gaff this box up with some tape.
American English
- The angler gaffed the marlin expertly.
- They had to gaff the sail to the mast.
adjective
British English
- It was a proper gaff tape job.
- He's got a new gaff rig on his boat.
American English
- The gaff hook was securely fastened.
- The gaff sail needed repair.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Only in historical or technical texts about sailing or fishing.
Everyday
In the UK, used informally to mean 'home'. Elsewhere, rare.
Technical
Used in fishing (a landing tool) and sailing (a spar).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gaff”
- Using 'gaff' to mean 'mistake' (confusion with 'gaffe').
- Using the UK slang meaning in US contexts where it is not understood.
- Pronouncing it with a long 'a' (/ɡeɪf/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Gaff' is the word defined here (hook, home, trick). 'Gaffe' is a different word meaning a social blunder or embarrassing mistake.
No, this slang meaning is almost exclusively British and Irish. An American would likely not understand it in this context.
Yes, primarily in fishing contexts meaning 'to hook or land a fish with a gaff'. Informally, it can also mean to rig or fix something, often with tape.
It is a British idiom meaning to reveal a secret, often one that incriminates someone or exposes a trick.
A stick with a hook for landing large fish.
Gaff is usually informal (for slang meanings); technical (for fishing/sailing meanings) in register.
Gaff: in British English it is pronounced /ɡæf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡæf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “blow the gaff”
- “stand the gaff”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a fisherman laughing ('gaff'awing) as he uses his GAFF to land a big catch.
Conceptual Metaphor
HOME IS A TOOL/STRUCTURE (UK slang); CRITICISM/PRESSURE IS A PHYSICAL HOOK (as in 'stand the gaff').
Practice
Quiz
In British slang, what does 'gaff' most commonly mean?