gaffer

 
Pronunciation: /ˈgafə/

noun

  • 1British informal a person in charge of others; a boss: street cleaners stopping for a smoke when their gaffer isn’t in the vicinity
  • 2the chief electrician in a film or television production unit.
  • 3 informal an old man: you’ll find the same old distinguished-looking gaffers at any awards dinner

Origin:

late 16th century (in gaffer (sense 3)): probably a contraction of godfather; compare with gammer