gaff
IPA: gˈæf
noun
- A tool consisting of a large metal hook with a handle or pole, especially the one used to pull large fish aboard a boat.
- A minor error or faux pas, a gaffe.
- A trick or con.
- (nautical) The upper spar used to control a gaff-rigged sail.
- (LGBT) A type of tight, panty-like underwear worn to hold the male genitalia tucked backwards and make one's genital region look smooth, as if one had a vulva.
- Rough or harsh treatment; criticism.
- (dated) An outcry; nonsense.
- (Ireland; Britain, especially Manchester, Cockney and Glaswegian; slang) A place of residence.
- (UK, slang, dated) A disreputable, low-end theatre.
- A surname.
- (informal, uncountable) Clipping of gaffer tape. [A sturdy adhesive tape, made of plastic reinforced with cross-linked fibre, often used by stage lighting electricians.]
verb
- To use a gaff, especially to land a fish.
- To cheat or hoax.
- (transitive) To doctor or modify for deceptive purposes.
- (slang, obsolete) To gamble, especially by tossing coins.
- (transitive, informal) To affix gaffer tape to, or cover with gaffer tape.
Examples of "gaff" in Sentences
- So this gaff is all the reporters fault for being insecure?
- The first rule of the gaff is never use one when a net will do.
- At the same time, they called the gaff reprehensible, but that's not all.
- A small hand gaff is a good idea if you plan on landing a fish for dinner.
- This gaff is not to be used for fishing, but to be hung as a collector's piece.
- The owner's bravery in recognising the nom-de-gaff is outstanding and to be aplauded.
- And surprisingly, there are many situations when a gaff is a better tool than a landing net for releasing fish.
- "How d'ye do, Ole," Charley greeted a big blue-shirted Swede who was greasing the jaws of the main gaff with a piece of pork rind.
- It will be interesting to see if this proves, once again, the truth of the old saying that in Washington, D.C. the definition of a "gaff" is slipping up and telling the truth.