Gaff

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -æf

Middle English, from Middle French gaffe, from Old Provencal gaf ("hook"), derivative of gafar ("to sieze"), from Gothic 𐌲𐌰𐍆𐍆- derived from 𐌲𐌹𐌱𐌰𐌽 (giban, "to give").

Alternative forms

• gaffe minor error or faux pas

Full definition of gaff

Noun

1. A tool consisting of a large metal hook with a handle or pole, especially the one used to pull large fish aboard a boat.
2. A minor error or faux pas.We politely ignored his gaff.
3. A trick or con.The sideshow feat was a just a gaff, but the audience was too proud to admit they'd been fooled.
4. (British, slang) A place of residence.We're going round to Mike's gaff later to watch the footie.
5. (nautical) The upper spar used to control a gaff-rigged sail.
6. A garment worn to hide the genitals by male transvestites.

Synonyms

• hakapik

Verb

1. To use a gaff, especially to land a fish.
2. To cheat or hoax

Derived terms

• gaffer

Perhaps from Old English gafsprǣc ("buffoonery, scurrility; blasphemous or ribald speech"), from Old English gaf ("base, vile, lewd") + Old English sprǣc ("language, speech, talk")

Noun