What it means
Gaff means your home, your place, the spot where you live. In Irish and wider British and Irish slang, saying back to my gaff just means back to mine. A free gaff is the gold-dust version, the house is empty, the parents are away, and everybody instantly hears party bells ringing. It’s casual, everyday, and warm rather than posh.
Usage examples
"The parents are gone to Kerry for the weekend so it is a free gaff situation. Already got six messages asking what time people can come over."
"Back to my gaff after the match, I have got snacks in and the big telly, and nobody has to brave the cold for another round."
"You can all head to my gaff after, there’s nothing in the fridge but we’ll sort ourselves out."
"Free gaff tonight if anyone’s knocking about, just don’t be the eejit who wakes the neighbours."
"I’m not paying city centre prices for pints all night, just come back to my gaff and we’ll stick music on."
Where it comes from
Gaff has been around in British slang for ages. It first pointed to a place or premises, often a rough one, and goes back further to fairground and showground use for a booth or tent. In Irish and British chat it mellowed into meaning your house, your home, your spot.
Other ways to say it
Editors of this term
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