What it means
Gaffer means the boss, the manager, the foreman, or just the one in charge. It’s proper British and turns up loads in workplaces, football chat, and everyday moaning about whoever’s calling the shots. It can sound respectful, cheeky, or lightly grumbly, depending on whether the gaffer’s sound or being a right pain.
Usage examples
"The gaffer wants the report by Friday, yeah? I’ve only just put the kettle on, mate, tell him he’s having a laugh."
"Better check with the gaffer before we move that lot, he goes spare if anyone touches the schedule without asking."
"Ask the gaffer if we can knock off early, I'm absolutely done in."
"New gaffer's come in and he's already changing everything, so brace yourself."
"The gaffer’s in one of his moods today, so keep your head down and just crack on."
Where it comes from
Gaffer is an old English word that originally meant an elderly man, formed from godfather and used in the same family as gammer for an old woman. Over time it shifted into a way of referring to a boss or foreman, especially in British work talk. Later it stuck hard in football too, for the manager.
Other ways to say it
Editors of this term
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