How to pronounce gaffer
Say it like GAF-er. Gaffer has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GAF).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce gaffer. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- GAF
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Gaffer 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.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of gaffer
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: GAF-uh.
What does gaffer mean?
- A chief lighting technician for a motion-picture or television production.
- A glassblower.
- 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.
- The leader of a group or team, such as a boss, foreman, coach, or publican.
- A sailor.
Words that rhyme with gaffer
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of gaffer.
Questions about saying gaffer
How do you pronounce gaffer?
Say GAF-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈɡæfɚ/. In British English it is /ˈɡæfə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in gaffer?
Gaffer has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GAF). Broken into parts: GAF · er.
Is gaffer pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈɡæfə/ (GAF-uh).