| kreoseus2 | 11 Aug 2010 5:18 a.m. PST |
Hi I was wondering about the origin of the word "Gaffer" often used in refering to a senior worker or the boss. It also pops up in LOTR as Sams boss. Wikipedia offered limited help and I thought the word-wise here may offer enlightenment. Also it was common when I was growing up in Dublin for kids to refer to their house as their "gaff", the two may be connected. Any ideas ? Phil |
| vaughan | 11 Aug 2010 6:50 a.m. PST |
According to my Collin's dictionary it is from Godfather. ie an old man of authority who gives guidance. |
 John the OFM  | 11 Aug 2010 6:57 a.m. PST |
Tattaglia is a pimp. He could never have outfought Santino. But I wasn't sure until this day. No, it was Barzini all along. |
| CLDISME | 11 Aug 2010 7:03 a.m. PST |
etymonline.com expands on vaughan's Collin's dictionary: gaffer – 1580s, "elderly rustic," apparently a contraction of godfather; originally "old man," it was applied from 1841 to foremen and supervisors, which sense carried over 20c. to "electrician in charge of lighting on a film set." |
| kreoseus2 | 11 Aug 2010 7:13 a.m. PST |
thank you gentlemen John,  ? Phil |
| adub74 | 11 Aug 2010 8:17 a.m. PST |
You don't like quotes from The Godfather? |
| kreoseus2 | 11 Aug 2010 8:40 a.m. PST |
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| Streitax | 11 Aug 2010 9:40 a.m. PST |
Your lack of education in the classics is appalling, my good sir. |
| kreoseus2 | 11 Aug 2010 9:43 a.m. PST |
It is on my to-do list. there are many gaps in my viewing history. I have never seen any of the rambo movies either, but am less concerned by this omissiom. |
| John the OFM | 11 Aug 2010 9:56 a.m. PST |
I spent my whole life trying not to be careless. Women and children can be careless. But not men. |
| ETenebrisLux | 11 Aug 2010 11:21 a.m. PST |
Within the short history of the film industry, the term gaffer's true meaning is lost. While it could come from 'old man' definition… it could also stem from the long pole that the electricians used to focus lights with. For the 'hardcore' word connoisseur.. the female variant of a Gaffer.. is a Gammer. However you won't see that one on any film's credit roll… |
| CLDISME | 11 Aug 2010 1:24 p.m. PST |
hardcore – 1936 (n.); 1951 (adj.); from hard + core. Original use seems to be among economists and sociologists. Extension to pornography is from 1970s. Also the name of a surfacing material. |
| SECURITY MINISTER CRITTER | 11 Aug 2010 7:15 p.m. PST |
I've seen Gammer used for grandmother. |
| Hevy Phyzx | 12 Aug 2010 7:23 a.m. PST |
Hardcore can also refer to a genre of Rock Music typified by very hard driven guitars, pounding bass, screamed or bellowed vocals, and violent speed drumming. Often termed "Core" by its devotees. Hardcore fans absolutely disdain the moniker "Heavy Metal", as those bands are commercial sellouts to the very dedicated "Core" fans. Andy Welkley
"Your Phrendlee Hevy Phyzx T-chrr" |
| Bangorstu | 23 Sep 2010 10:57 a.m. PST |
It's Welsh for Goat….. Dunno if that helps any :) |
worries about not losing his rules stuff.
