gaff

Meanings

Plural: gaffs

Noun

a sharp metal spike or spur that is fastened to the leg of a gamecock
a spar rising aft from a mast to support the head of a quadrilateral fore-and-aft sail
an iron hook with a handle; used for landing large fish
A tool consisting of a large metal hook with a handle or pole, especially the one used to pull large fish aboard a boat.
A minor error or faux pas, a gaffe.
A trick or con.
The upper spar used to control a gaff-rigged sail.
A type of tight, panty-like underwear worn to hold the penis and testicles tucked backwards and make one's genital region look smooth, as if one had a vulva.
Rough or harsh treatment; criticism.
An outcry; nonsense.
A place of residence.
A disreputable, low-end theatre.
Clipping of gaffer tape.

Verb

To use a gaff, especially to land a fish.
To cheat or hoax.
To doctor or modify for deceptive purposes.
To gamble, especially by tossing coins.
To affix gaffer tape to, or cover with gaffer tape.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English gaffe, from Old French gaffe, from Old Occitan gaf (“hook”), derivative of gafar (“to seize”), from 𐌲𐌹𐌱𐌰𐌽 (giban, “to give”). Doublet of gaffe.
Sense 5 apparently derives from the idea that the garment tricks or deceives others about the wearer's genitalia.

Synonyms

hakapik

Scrabble Score: 11

gaff is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
gaff is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
gaff is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 12

gaff is a valid Words With Friends word