gaffer — ODE · Shobdo

gaffer /ˈɡafə

▸ noun

1 British English informal a person in charge of others; a boss:

street cleaners stopping for a smoke when their gaffer isn't in the vicinity.

2 the chief electrician in a film or television production unit.

3 informal an old man:

you'll find the same old distinguished-looking gaffers at any awards dinner.

– ORIGIN late 16th century (in gaffer (sense 3 of the noun)): probably a contraction of godfather; compare with gammer.