gaffer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Professional/Technical (film industry); Informal (general British usage for 'boss' or 'old man').
Quick answer
What does “gaffer” mean?
The person in charge of lighting on a film or television set.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The person in charge of lighting on a film or television set; the chief electrician.
1. A supervisor, boss, or manager in any context, particularly in manual or industrial work. 2. An old man, especially one from a rural background (chiefly British, informal).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the extended meanings ('boss', 'old man') are common in informal speech. In American English, the word is almost exclusively used in its film-industry sense.
Connotations
UK: Can convey a sense of familiarity, respect, or slight disrespect depending on tone. Often implies a working-class, hands-on manager. US: A precise, technical term with neutral professional connotations.
Frequency
Much more frequent in UK English across all meanings. In US English, its use is confined to film/TV production contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “gaffer” in a Sentence
The [gaffer] + verb (e.g., The gaffer decided...)Ask/Talk to the [gaffer][gaffer] of [a film/crew]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare in formal business contexts except when referring to the film industry.
Academic
Virtually non-existent.
Everyday
Common in UK informal speech to mean 'boss' or 'old man'. Uncommon in US everyday speech.
Technical
Standard, precise term in film/TV production for the head of the electrical department.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gaffer”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gaffer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gaffer”
- Using 'gaffer' to mean any manager in formal US contexts.
- Confusing 'gaffer' (film lighting) with 'grip' (film set equipment/handling).
- Misspelling as 'gaffer'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but only in the film and television industry, where it specifically means the chief lighting technician. In other contexts, it is informal.
While traditionally male-gendered, the term is increasingly used in a gender-neutral way for the 'boss' sense in the UK. In the film industry, the formal title is 'gaffer' regardless of gender. The female equivalent 'gammer' is archaic and not used.
It originated as a contraction of 'godfather' or 'grandfather' in 16th-century English, used as a term of respect for an old man or a village elder. This evolved into the meaning of 'foreman' or 'boss'.
In film crew hierarchy, the gaffer is the head of the electrical department. The 'best boy' (or 'best boy electric') is the gaffer's chief assistant and second-in-command.
The person in charge of lighting on a film or television set.
Gaffer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡæfə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡæfər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “What's the gaffer's decision? (UK, informal)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'gaffer' TAPING down cables on set (like 'gaffer tape'). He's in charge, so he's the 'gaffer'.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS PHYSICAL CONTROL (the person who controls the light/film set controls the scene).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'gaffer' LEAST likely to be used?