English Explanatory Dictionary

gaff

English dictionary entry

Meanings

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, a gaffe.
  3. A trick or con.
  4. The upper spar used to control a gaff-rigged sail.
  5. A type of tight, panty-like underwear worn to hold the penis and testicles tucked backwards and make one's genital region look smooth, as if one had a vulva.
verb
  1. To use a gaff, especially to land a fish.
  2. To cheat or hoax.
  3. To doctor or modify for deceptive purposes.
  4. To gamble, especially by tossing coins.
  5. To affix gaffer tape to, or cover with gaffer tape.
noun
  1. Rough or harsh treatment; criticism.
  2. An outcry; nonsense.
noun
  1. A place of residence.
  2. A disreputable, low-end theatre.
noun
  1. Clipping of gaffer tape.
name
  1. A surname.

Pronunciation

/ɡæf/ En-au-gaff.ogg

Word forms

gaff gaffs gaffing gaffed gaf

Etymology

From Middle English gaffe, from Old French gaffe, from Old Occitan gaf (“hook”), derivative of gafar (“to seize”), from 𐌲𐌹𐌱𐌰𐌽 (giban, “to give”). Doublet of gaffe. Etymology 1, noun sense 5 apparently derives from the idea that the garment tricks or deceives others about the wearer's genitalia.

Synonyms

hakapik

Related words

gaffe

Derived words

all over the gaff gaffman gaff rig gaffsail gaff sail gaffsman gaff tape gaff-topsail Gaff Topsail monkey gaff penny-gaff tip the gaff gaffer blow the gaff gaffle shandygaff gaff off stand the gaff
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