guv: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, colloquial, dated
Quick answer
What does “guv” mean?
An informal British term of address or reference for a man in a position of authority, especially one's employer or superior.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An informal British term of address or reference for a man in a position of authority, especially one's employer or superior.
A colloquial and somewhat dated term, originally a clipping of 'governor', used to show respect, familiarity, or irony when addressing a male figure of authority, such as a boss, foreman, or occasionally a customer in service contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Exclusively or predominantly British. American usage is extremely rare, typically only encountered in media portraying British characters or historical settings.
Connotations
In the UK: can signal working-class identity, camaraderie, or a hierarchical but familiar relationship. In the US: marked as British and may sound archaic or affected.
Frequency
Common in 20th-century UK, particularly London and the South East. Frequency has declined significantly; now mostly associated with older speakers or specific stereotypes (e.g., Cockney, taxi drivers).
Grammar
How to Use “guv” in a Sentence
[Vocative] 'GuV, can I have a word?'[Subject] The guv isn't in today.[Object] I'll ask the guv.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in formal or contemporary business contexts.
Academic
Never used.
Everyday
Rare in modern casual speech; may be used humorously or by older generations in the UK.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “guv”
- Using it in formal writing or American contexts.
- Spelling it as 'gov' (which means government).
- Overusing it as a general term for 'man' rather than a figure of authority.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it's a colloquial clipping of the word 'governor', which itself was used as a respectful term for a man in authority, not necessarily a political governor.
No, 'guv' is specifically masculine. The equivalent for a woman in a similar context would be 'missus', 'ma'am', or more commonly now, just 'boss'.
Its use has declined significantly. It is now considered quite dated and is mostly used humorously, by older generations, or in very specific regional or occupational settings (e.g., traditional markets, taxi driving).
'Guv'nor' is a more emphatic or traditional variant, often associated with Cockney or Victorian-era speech. It carries the same meaning but can sound even more old-fashioned or stylised.
An informal British term of address or reference for a man in a position of authority, especially one's employer or superior.
Guv is usually informal, colloquial, dated in register.
Guv: in British English it is pronounced /ɡʌv/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡʌv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the guv's tab”
- “what's the word, guv?”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a LONDON TAXI DRIVER saying, 'Right you are, GUV' with a thumbs up. The 'GUV' sounds like 'glove' without the 'l' – a glove that only fits the BOSS's hand.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS A PERSON (Metonymic: the title stands for the person and their role).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'guv' be LEAST appropriate?