How Do You Spell GAFF?

Pronunciation: [ɡˈaf] (IPA)

The word "gaff" is spelled with two letters "f" although it is pronounced with the "-ff" sound. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /ɡæf/. This means that the "a" is pronounced like the "a" in "cat" and "rat", the "g" is pronounced as hard "g" as in "give" and "go", and the double "f" sound is pronounced more strongly than a single "f". "Gaff" means a fishing hook with a handle, and is sometimes used to describe an embarrassing mistake.

GAFF Meaning and Definition

  1. Gaff is a noun that has multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used.

    In its most common sense, a gaff refers to a metal hook or barbed spear attached to a pole or rod, often used in fishing to land large fish. This specialized instrument allows anglers to safely secure and lift their catch out of the water, particularly when dealing with species that are difficult to handle or could potentially harm the fisherman.

    However, gaff can also be used as a verb, indicating the act of landing a fish using a gaff. In this sense, it involves the skillful and precise maneuvering of the fishing tool to successfully hook and retrieve the fish from the water, ensuring that it does not escape or cause any harm to the angler.

    The term gaff can also have a more informal meaning, referring to a social blunder or faux pas. It describes a mistake or embarrassing action made by an individual in public, often leading to feelings of awkwardness or humiliation. This colloquial usage is commonly associated with situations where someone says or does something inappropriate, unintentionally causing offense or embarrassment to themselves or others.

    Overall, gaff is a versatile term that can refer to a fishing instrument for landing large fish, an action performed with such a tool, or a social mistake resulting in awkwardness or embarrassment.

  2. A prop or sort of boom used in extending the upper corner of a fore-and-aft sail.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for GAFF

Etymology of GAFF

The word "gaff" can have multiple origins and meanings, so here are a few possibilities:

1. Gaff (nautical): In nautical terminology, a "gaff" refers to a spar used to extend a sail on a sailing ship. The term is believed to have originated from the Dutch word "gaffel", which means "fork" or "spearhead". Dutch sailors likely introduced the term into English during maritime interactions.

2. Gaff (slang): In informal slang, a "gaff" can refer to a house, apartment, or any place someone lives in. It is commonly used in British English as well as Irish English. However, in this context, the etymology is uncertain.

3. Gaff (verb): As a verb, "to gaff" can mean to cheat or deceive someone.

Idioms with the word GAFF

  • stand the gaff The idiom "stand the gaff" means to endure or tolerate difficulties, criticisms, or unpleasant situations without complaining or giving in. It refers to being able to handle pressure or adversity with resilience and fortitude.
  • blow the gaff The idiom "blow the gaff" means to reveal a secret, expose a truth, or disclose confidential information that was intended to be kept hidden.
  • blow the gaff (on somebody/something) The idiom "blow the gaff (on somebody/something)" means to reveal or disclose a secret or hidden information that may cause embarrassment or trouble for someone or something. It refers to the act of exposing the truth or making something known that was previously kept confidential.

Similar spelling words for GAFF

Plural form of GAFF is GAFFS

Conjugate verb Gaff

CONDITIONAL

I would gaff
you would gaff
he/she/it would gaff
we would gaff
they would gaff

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be gaffing
you would be gaffing
he/she/it would be gaffing
we would be gaffing
they would be gaffing

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have gaff
you would have gaff
he/she/it would have gaff
we would have gaff
they would have gaff

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been gaffing
you would have been gaffing
he/she/it would have been gaffing
we would have been gaffing
they would have been gaffing

FUTURE

I will gaff
you will gaff
he/she/it will gaff
we will gaff
they will gaff

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be gaffing
you will be gaffing
he/she/it will be gaffing
we will be gaffing
they will be gaffing

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have gaffed
you will have gaffed
he/she/it will have gaffed
we will have gaffed
they will have gaffed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been gaffing
you will have been gaffing
he/she/it will have been gaffing
we will have been gaffing
they will have been gaffing

IMPERATIVE

you gaff
we let´s gaff

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to gaff

PAST

I gaffed
you gaffed
he/she/it gaffed
we gaffed
they gaffed

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was gaffing
you were gaffing
he/she/it was gaffing
we were gaffing
they were gaffing

PAST PARTICIPLE

gaffed

PAST PERFECT

I had gaffed
you had gaffed
he/she/it had gaffed
we had gaffed
they had gaffed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been gaffing
you had been gaffing
he/she/it had been gaffing
we had been gaffing
they had been gaffing

PRESENT

I gaff
you gaff
he/she/it gaffs
we gaff
they gaff

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am gaffing
you are gaffing
he/she/it is gaffing
we are gaffing
they are gaffing

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

gaffing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have gaffed
you have gaffed
he/she/it has gaffed
we have gaffed
they have gaffed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been gaffing
you have been gaffing
he/she/it has been gaffing
we have been gaffing
they have been gaffing

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