: a lighting electrician on a motion-picture or television set
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Though movie and cinema buffs associate gaffer with Hollywood, the word actually pre-dates motion pictures by about 300 years. The first recorded use of gaffer dates from the 16th century, when it was used as a title of respect for an older gentleman. Later it was used as a generic noun for any elderly man, and then it picked up the sense "foreman" (still used in British English), perhaps because the foreman was the most experienced and, most likely, the oldest person in a work crew. Today gaffer is usually applied to the head lighting electrician on a movie set. The gaffer's assistant is called the best boy.
Examples of gaffer in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the WebWhat if the gaffer had the same assault happen as a child?—Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 June 2024 His production designer quit and his gaffer (lighting) died.—Erin Jensen, USA TODAY, 3 Apr. 2024 While working as a gaffer on a commercial, the director of photography and cinematographer had a family emergency, giving Frohna the opportunity to lead the project.—Adrienne Davis, Journal Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2024 Now everyone, including lighting gaffers, carpenters, production assistants, wardrobe, hair and makeup artists, zombie extras, gun wranglers, and all who bring movies and TV to life or not can go to work again.—Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 12 Nov. 2023 See all Example Sentences for gaffer
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gaffer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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