Gaff-Gaffe | Commonly Confused Words
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Gaff vs. Gaffe

Gaff

/ɡæf/
A social mistake or fake object

Examples:

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.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

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.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • 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.
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