gaff /ɡæf/noun 10verb 5forms 3phrases 1 noun10 •(UK, slang) A place of residence.We're going round to Mike's gaff later to watch the footie. •A tool consisting of a large metal hook with a handle or pole, especially the one used to pull large fish aboard a boat.When Leonard finally hauls up a cod of seventy-five centimeters, probably seven years old, a typical catch ten years ago, they all joke, "Oh my God, get the gaff!" — 1997 •A minor error or faux pas, a gaffe.We politely ignored his gaff. •A type of tight, panty-like underwear worn to hold the penis and testicles tucked backwards and make one's genital region look smooth, as if one had a vulva.Sissy maids may be required to wear a gaff to disguise the male genitals, and a dominant may wish a slave to wear it on a daily basis. — 1996 •The upper spar used to control a gaff-rigged sail. •(informal) Clipping of gaffer tape.She bought a roll of black gaff to tape down the loose cords. •A trick or con.The sideshow feat was just a gaff, but the audience was too proud to admit they'd been fooled. •Rough or harsh treatment; criticism. •(old-fashioned) An outcry; nonsense. •(slang, old-fashioned) A disreputable, low-end theatre.Significantly, the setting is a gaff, a low, illegal theatre, and not one of the legitimate East-End stages. — 2004 verb5 •To use a gaff, especially to land a fish. •To cheat or hoax. •To doctor or modify for deceptive purposes.When the operator began losing, he gaffed the wheel and then the patron had no chance to win. With his secret device an experienced grifter could stop the wheel at will on any number. — 1993 •(informal) To affix gaffer tape to, or cover with gaffer tape.I gaffed down the sleeves to my lens hoods instead of just relying on the drawstring to hold it in place. — 2013 •(slang, no longer used) To gamble, especially by tossing coins. formsgaffed · gaffing · gaffs Phrases with gaff gaff offTo deliberately disrespect a commanding officer; to be insubordinate; to disregard a lawful command.
