gaffer/ɡæfɚ/gaffer means A surname.gaffer is pronounced /ɡæfɚ/.EtymologyFrom gaff (“hook”) + -er. * (cinema): The natural lighting on early film sets was adjusted by opening and closing flaps in the tent cloths, called gaff cloths or gaff flaps. * (glass)nameA surname.nounA chief lighting technician for a motion-picture or television production.A glassblower.“The apprentice carries a gather of glass on the blowpipe to the gaffer's bench […]”Someone aboard a boat whose duty is to gaff a (large) fish once the angler has reeled it in.An old person, usually a man.“If thou return not, Gammer o'er her pail Will sing in sorrow, 'neath the brinded cow, And Gaffer sigh over his nut-brown ale […]”The leader of a group or team, such as a boss, foreman, coach, or publican.“And you're here to tell me what's what. Just like your bloody gaffer promised.”A sailor.The baby in the house.