How to pronounce gaff
Say it like GAF. Gaff is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce gaff. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- GAF
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Gaff pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- GAFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of gaff
American and British speakers say gaff in essentially the same way: /ɡæf/ in the US and /ɡæf/ in the UK.
British respelling: GAF.
What does gaff mean?
- 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.“We politely ignored his gaff.”
- A trick or con.“The sideshow feat was just a gaff, but the audience was too proud to admit they'd been fooled.”
- Rough or harsh treatment; criticism.
- An outcry; nonsense.
- To use a gaff, especially to land a fish.
- To cheat or hoax.
- To doctor or modify for deceptive purposes.
Where does gaff come from?
Etymology 1, noun sense 5 apparently derives from the idea that the garment tricks or deceives others about the wearer's genitalia.
Words that rhyme with gaff
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of gaff.
Words that sound like gaff
Questions about saying gaff
How do you pronounce gaff?
Say GAF. The American pronunciation is /ɡæf/. In British English it is /ɡæf/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in gaff?
Gaff is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: GAF.
Do Americans and Brits say gaff the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ɡæf/ and the British form is /ɡæf/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.
What words sound the same as gaff?
Gaff sounds the same as gaffe in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.