gaffer
/ˈɡæfər/
NOUN
1. A chief lighting technician for a film or television production
A person responsible for the electrical and lighting department on a film, television, or video production, overseeing the setup and operation of lighting equipment.
1.1. Film and television lighting supervision
A lighting professional who plans, organizes, and supervises the lighting arrangements on a production set.
Synonyms
- chief lighting technician
- lighting director
- head electrician
Examples
- On the film set, the experienced gaffer meticulously arranged the lighting equipment.
- The concert stage was illuminated by the skilled work of the lighting gaffer.
- The theater production relied on the expertise of the seasoned gaffer to create the perfect atmosphere.
Related Words
NOUN
2. A glassblower
A person who shapes and forms objects from molten glass by blowing air through a tube and manipulating the material.
2.1. Glassmaking and glass shaping
A craftsperson who creates glass objects by heating, blowing, and shaping molten glass.
Synonyms
- glassworker
- glassmaker
Examples
- The gaffer carefully shaped the molten glass into a decorative vase.
Related Words
- glassblowing
- glassware
- furnace
- molten glass
- glass artisan
- glasscraft
NOUN
3. An old man
An elderly man, sometimes used as an informal or familiar term of address.
3.1. Elderly men and older people
An informal reference to an older man, particularly in traditional British usage.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The old gaffer sat outside the village pub and watched the passersby.
- The young workers often asked the gaffer for advice because of his many years of experience.
Related Words
NOUN
4. A foreman
A person who supervises workers and oversees the daily operations of a team or workplace.
4.1. Workplace supervision and leadership
A person in charge of directing workers, assigning tasks, and ensuring that work is completed properly.
Synonyms
- foreman
- boss
- chief
- supervisor
- overseer
- manager
- superintendent
- administrator
- headman
- taskmaster
- straw boss
Antonyms
Examples
- The gaffer instructed the workers to finish the repairs before the end of the day.
- The construction crew waited for the gaffer's approval before continuing.
Related Words
NOUN
5. A sailor
A person who works as a member of a ship's crew or is associated with seafaring.
5.1. Seafaring and ship crew
A person who works aboard a vessel or is involved in maritime activities.
Synonyms
Examples
- The old gaffer had spent most of his life working aboard fishing vessels.
Related Words
NOUN
6. The baby in a household
In some maritime regional usage, the youngest child or baby in a household.
6.1. Youngest child in a family
A regional maritime term referring to the baby or youngest member of a household.
Synonyms
- baby
- infant
- youngest child
Examples
- In the old maritime community, the youngest child in the household was affectionately called the gaffer.