General
gaffer
What does gaffer mean?
Affectionate British slang for the team manager or boss.
"The gaffer named an unchanged side for the derby."
Origin
British/Irish slang for a boss or foreman, applied to football managers.
Frequently asked questions
What does gaffer mean in football?
It is affectionate slang for the team manager or head coach. Players and fans commonly refer to their boss as 'the gaffer'.
Where does the word gaffer come from?
It is old British and Irish slang for a boss or foreman, later applied to football managers and also used for the chief electrician on a film set.
Is gaffer a respectful term?
Yes, it is warm and respectful. Calling a manager 'the gaffer' signals loyalty and affection rather than mockery.
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