gaffer

Everyday

1. (UK, informal) The boss: a manager, foreman or the person in charge, especially of a football team or a group of workers. tree →
2. (film and TV) The chief electrician who looks after the lights on a film set. tree →
3. (UK, old, informal) An old man, especially in the countryside. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday British, Irish and Australian talk and sports news, «the gaffer» is the boss or football manager. In film credits, the gaffer is in charge of lighting. In old stories, «old gaffer» is a country old man. Phrases: «the gaffer said», «ask the gaffer», «gaffer tape».

Examples

• The gaffer wants us at work by eight. tree →
• The team's gaffer was angry at half-time. tree →
• Ask the gaffer if we can leave early. tree →
• The gaffer set up the lights for the film. tree →
• Old Gaffer Jones sat on the bench by the pub. tree →
• Gaffer tape is strong, sticky cloth tape. tree →

Note

Informal, mostly UK. «Gaffer tape» is strong tape used on film sets (in the US often called duct tape, though they differ). Not the same as «gaffe» (an embarrassing mistake).