He caught the fish using a gaff and dragged it onto the boat.The sailor swung the gaff over his shoulder as he docked.In a swift motion, the hunter wielded the gaff expertly.
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Gaffe
A mistake, often embarrassing, made in a social or public setting
Examples:
He made a gaffe during the live interview.Her speech was full of gaffes and awkward pauses.The comedian's onstage gaffe went viral online.
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Ways to tell them apart:
Gaff often refers to a device or tool, like a stick with a hook, while gaffe refers to a blunder or mistake.
Think of gaff as a tool youd use, like fishing, whereas gaffe' is a verbal or social slip-up.
Gaffe has an e, just like the e in error, which can help you remember it involves a mistake.
To avoid confusion, remember that gaff is used in practical, physical contexts, and gaffe in social or conversational contexts.
Link gaffe with goof to remind yourself it's an error or a mistake.