English Explanatory Dictionary

stand the gaff

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To endure harsh criticism, rough treatment, or severe difficulties without complaining or breaking down.

Word forms

stand the gaff stands the gaff standing the gaff stood the gaff

Etymology

Became famous in the 1925 coalminers' strike in New Waterford, Nova Scotia, Canada, when J E McClurg, vice-president of BESCO, intent on starving the strikers into submission, was heard laughing at the strikers, saying "They can't stand the gaff." It then became an expression of defiance for the miners.

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