“Gaff” is a word with a few different meanings, but in everyday English it usually means a mistake or blunder. In some places, it can also mean a house or home, or a pole used in fishing.
People most often use “gaff” in casual speech to talk about someone making an embarrassing error, especially in a social or public situation. The meaning depends on the context, so you usually understand it from how it is used in the sentence.
Meaning & Usage
In British English, “gaff” is often used to mean a mistake. For example, if someone says, “I made a gaff,” they mean they said or did something wrong. In slang, “gaff” can also mean a place, especially someone’s home.
Examples
“He made a gaff during the interview.”
“I’m heading back to my gaff.”
“She noticed the gaff and quickly corrected it.”
Is “gaff” a formal word?
No, it is mostly informal. People use it in casual conversation, not in formal writing.
Does “gaff” always mean mistake?
No. It can also mean a home or a place, depending on the context.
Is “gaff” used in American English?
It is much more common in British English and slang than in everyday American English.
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