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Gaff: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŽฃ
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gaff

 

[ ษกรฆf ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

fishing tool

A gaff is a pole with a hook at the end, used to help land large fish. It can also refer to a hook used to catch or lift fish from the water. Gaffs are particularly useful for ensuring that larger catches do not escape.

Synonyms

fishing spear, hook.

Examples of usage

  • He used a gaff to land the huge marlin.
  • The fishermen quickly reached for the gaff as the fish approached the boat.
  • A well-placed gaff can make the difference between a successful catch and losing a trophy fish.
Context #2 | Noun

mistake

In slang usage, a 'gaff' can refer to a mistake or blunder, especially in a performance or presentation. It's often used to describe a slip-up that is embarrassing or noticeable.

Synonyms

blunder, error, mistake.

Examples of usage

  • She made a gaff during her speech and everyone noticed.
  • His performance was marred by a slight gaff.
  • After the gaff, he quickly recovered and continued.

Translations

Translations of the word "gaff" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น gaff

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เฅˆเคซ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Gaff

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ gaff

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะณะฐั„

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ gaff

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ฌใƒ•

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท gaff

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ gaff

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท gaff

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฐ€ํ”„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุบุงู

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ gaff

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ gaff

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้™ท้˜ฑ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ gaff

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ gaff

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะณะฐั„

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒแƒคแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ gaff

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ gaff

Etymology

The word 'gaff' originates from the Old Norse word 'gaf', which means 'hook'. The term has been used in various forms related to fishing tools for centuries. It evolved in English to encompass both the physical item used in fishing and the metaphorical usage relating to mistakes or blunders. The fishing application of the term became particularly significant in maritime cultures, with gaffs being essential for landing larger fish that could not be easily pulled aboard by other means. Over time, the word took on additional meanings, influenced by the broad slang usage that emerged in the 20th century. Today, it encapsulates both its original meaning in fishing as well as a colloquial use that reflects social and theatrical settings.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,737, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.