gaffer

Related to gaffer: best boy

gaffer

1. An old man, typically one who lives in a rural place. The word is thought to be a contraction of "godfather." Only gaffers live out here—I bet you're the youngest person for 20 miles!
2. The main electrician responsible for the lighting on a film or TV set. No, I don't like the lighting in this shot—where's the gaffer?
3. Someone who others report to, as at work. It can refer to a boss or a fellow employee. Primarily heard in UK. The gaffer's going to be in the office tomorrow, so you better get here on time for once.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

gaffer

(ˈgæfɚ)
n. an old man; a rustic old man. (From grandfather.) Nobody out there but some old gaffer with a cane.
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • play the field
  • play the field, to
  • bet on it
  • a long shot
  • long shot
  • long shot, (not by) a
  • long shot, a
  • bet with
  • bet with (someone)
  • bet on (someone or something)
References in periodicals archive
"Nothing has been decided yet but hopefully over the next couple of weeks the gaffer and Joe will find out about their future and things can move on.
Backing the boss is crucial for Smart
"The gaffer always touched on it and said to us, 'You'll come good'.
ROY GETS PUSH Michael Smith scored the
But you want to repay the faith shown to you by the gaffer for bringing you to the club in the very first place.
I've got my finger on the trigger; Simeon's going for goals
"I have a very good relationship with the gaffer and it wasn't a pop by any means, it was more me saying I need to learn it and every game I'm trying to learn it."
'Players must do better' says Scottish skipper
"Speaking to the gaffer I think that he's someone who will be able to get the best out of me."
Chaplin: It's time to get down to playing football; the deal is finally done and now incoming striker is raring to go
Dons boss McInnes insists Clarke's return north of the border as Kilmarnock gaffer underlines that the game here is in good shape.
Derek: SFA need Clarke
String up the tinsel backdrop at one end of the hall, using either gaffer's tape (which shouldn't remove paint!), pushpins or small tacks.
Rockin' runway: ramp up your hallway into a catwalk, complete with front-row seating
Gaffer is the head of the "Tetley Tea Folk," animated characters used by the Montvale, N.J.-based company in advertising and who "work" in the tea factory.
Virtual tea time
Andrew Hobbs, Stacey and Ross Willis and Gaffer launch the sponsored bike ride in |1999, above, and youngsters taking part in that year's big ride IAN MCINTYRE
Tour de Teasside raised thousands
He said: "I spoke to the gaffer a few weeks ago and then again last week and it's just a case of getting things sorted out now really.
Rooney intent on remaining a blue
"It would be lovely for him if we could go up there and win, but we're not looking at it as the gaffer's old club."
Top boy Roy has nothing to prove
NORWICH manager Paul Lambert will always view Martin O'Neill as "the gaffer", but is all set to tackle his old boss head on.
OPPOSITION
BLUEBIRDS players were stunned when gaffer Dave Jones won the World Cup sweep.
World Cup success for boss Jones
Killieford Fire had gone only marginally slower when taking the opener in 27.84sec, while Little Gaffer overcame a tardy start to win heat three in 28.19sec.
Brett's the best; IN BRIEF
The Sydney Amateur Sailing Club is again hosting its famous Gaffer's Day on Sunday, 19 October.
Gaffer's Day