gaff
UK[ɡæf]US[ɡæf]
n
A stick with a hook, or a barbed spear, used for landing large fish.
n
A spar or pole extending from the mast to support the top of a fore-and-aft sail.
n
Rough treatment or criticism.
v
To seize or land (a fish) using a gaff.
Etymology
The word 'gaff' entered English from Old French in the late 13th century, carrying its core meaning of a hooked pole or boat hook. This nautical implement, essential for handling sails and landing fish, gave its name directly to the tools used in sailing and fishing. Over time, its association with a hooked instrument led to the slang extension meaning "trick" or "deception" in the 19th century, and later to the idiomatic phrase "stand the gaff," meaning to endure rough treatment or criticism, further abstracting the original sense of being caught or hooked.
Analysis
The word 'gaff' is a simplex word. It is a loanword from Old French 'gaffe', meaning "boat hook," which itself likely came from Old Provençal 'gaf', meaning "hook." The ultimate origin is uncertain but may be from a Germanic source.
Examples
The angler used a gaff to haul the massive tuna into the boat.
The sail's head is attached to the mast via the gaff.
After his poor performance, he had to stand the gaff from the critics.