noun
gaffer
An informal British term for an old man.
The old tale describes a gaffer sitting outside the cottage.
Etymology
Gaffer developed as a familiar form associated with godfather. It became a colloquial title for an older man, especially one treated with everyday familiarity.
More examples
- The village children greeted the friendly gaffer.
- The British character calls the elderly neighbor a gaffer.
- A weathered gaffer recalled the days before the railway.
Forms
gaffer · gaffers
Similar words
- old-timer
- Old-timer can emphasize long experience; gaffer here is an informal British term for an elderly man.