Gaffer
noun
A person who is in charge of the lighting in a film or play production.
The gaffer has been working in Hollywood for over 20 years, creating perfect lighting for many famous movies.
Often appears as...
- hire a gaffer
- gaffer on set
Usage tips
Technical
noun
An old man, especially one who is a boss or is in a position of authority.
The gaffer told us to finish the project by the end of the week.
Often appears as...
- speak to the gaffer
- old gaffer
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
noun
A big or clumsy person.
That gaffer needs to watch where he's going.
Often appears as...
- clumsy gaffer
- big gaffer
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
noun
A person who is in charge of the lighting in a film or play production.
The gaffer has been working in Hollywood for over 20 years, creating perfect lighting for many famous movies.
Often appears as...
- hire a gaffer
- gaffer on set
Usage tips
Technical
noun
An old man, especially one who is a boss or is in a position of authority.
The gaffer told us to finish the project by the end of the week.
Often appears as...
- speak to the gaffer
- old gaffer
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
noun
A big or clumsy person.
That gaffer needs to watch where he's going.
Often appears as...
- clumsy gaffer
- big gaffer
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3On Set Context
Used in the film and theatre industries to refer to the head lighting technician.
I'll ask the gaffer if we can adjust the spotlight.
Pro Tip 2/3Not an Old Man
In film, 'gaffer' does not mean an old man, unlike in UK slang.
Our gaffer is really young but knows how to set the stage.
Pro Tip 3/3Technical Expertise
Indicates a role requiring specialized technical skills, not just any crew member.
The gaffer and his team are responsible for that amazing scene's lighting.
Pro Tip 1/3On Set Context
Used in the film and theatre industries to refer to the head lighting technician.
I'll ask the gaffer if we can adjust the spotlight.
Pro Tip 2/3Not an Old Man
In film, 'gaffer' does not mean an old man, unlike in UK slang.
Our gaffer is really young but knows how to set the stage.
Pro Tip 3/3Technical Expertise
Indicates a role requiring specialized technical skills, not just any crew member.
The gaffer and his team are responsible for that amazing scene's lighting.
Pro Tip 1/3On Set Context
Used in the film and theatre industries to refer to the head lighting technician.
I'll ask the gaffer if we can adjust the spotlight.
Pro Tip 2/3Not an Old Man
In film, 'gaffer' does not mean an old man, unlike in UK slang.
Our gaffer is really young but knows how to set the stage.
Pro Tip 3/3Technical Expertise
Indicates a role requiring specialized technical skills, not just any crew member.
The gaffer and his team are responsible for that amazing scene's lighting.
Never forget "Gaffer"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
Video examples
Safari Live - Day 31 PIPE...
and I've got some very important tools that every time we spring a new leak gaffer tape cables are I'm starting to
Video examples
Safari Live - Day 31 PIPE...
and I've got some very important tools that every time we spring a new leak gaffer tape cables are I'm starting to
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
Jonjo Shelvey
I couldn't care less what people have got to say as long as I have the backing from the people that matter - the gaffer, family, and my team-mates - and they know what I am like as a person on and off the pitch. That's all that matters.
Quote examples
Ryan Fraser
Scottish Athlete
Because I couldn't cook, I used to take out a lot. I put on a bit of weight and it used to affect my football, so when the gaffer found out, I had to go on a mini boot camp in the season.
Quote examples
Wilfried Zaha
Athlete
For me to be a better player, I need to play more games, and having a gaffer I know has great trust in me gives me the confidence I need to help me improve my game.
Quote examples
Raphael Varane
French Athlete
Being able to get some games under my belt and feeling the confidence of the gaffer is something very important to me. That way I feel good on the pitch.
Quote examples
Jason Bateman
American Actor
It's a really exciting thing to collaborate with production designers, cinematographers and gaffers and costume designers and editors and composers.
Quote examples
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Norwegian Coach
When I was a player, it was important to target the first few friendlies and plant a seed in the mind of the gaffer.
Quote examples
Aaron Ramsey
Welsh Athlete
Central midfield has been my main position, but I'll play wherever the gaffer wants me.
Quote examples
James Rodriguez
Colombian Athlete
I'll play where the gaffer decides: in the middle, on the right, or on the left.
Quote examples
Vincent Kompany
Belgian Athlete
I don't think you can underestimate the impact of the gaffer.
Quote examples
Tammy Abraham
English Athlete
When the gaffer believes in you, there is nothing better.
Quote examples
Jonjo Shelvey
I couldn't care less what people have got to say as long as I have the backing from the people that matter - the gaffer, family, and my team-mates - and they know what I am like as a person on and off the pitch. That's all that matters.
Quote examples
Ryan Fraser
Scottish Athlete
Because I couldn't cook, I used to take out a lot. I put on a bit of weight and it used to affect my football, so when the gaffer found out, I had to go on a mini boot camp in the season.
Quote examples
Wilfried Zaha
Athlete
For me to be a better player, I need to play more games, and having a gaffer I know has great trust in me gives me the confidence I need to help me improve my game.
Quote examples
Raphael Varane
French Athlete
Being able to get some games under my belt and feeling the confidence of the gaffer is something very important to me. That way I feel good on the pitch.
Quote examples
Jason Bateman
American Actor
It's a really exciting thing to collaborate with production designers, cinematographers and gaffers and costume designers and editors and composers.
Quote examples
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Norwegian Coach
When I was a player, it was important to target the first few friendlies and plant a seed in the mind of the gaffer.
Quote examples
Aaron Ramsey
Welsh Athlete
Central midfield has been my main position, but I'll play wherever the gaffer wants me.
Quote examples
James Rodriguez
Colombian Athlete
I'll play where the gaffer decides: in the middle, on the right, or on the left.
Quote examples
Vincent Kompany
Belgian Athlete
I don't think you can underestimate the impact of the gaffer.
Quote examples
Tammy Abraham
English Athlete
When the gaffer believes in you, there is nothing better.
Example 1 of 10
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension