What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gaff
Example
He used the gaff to pull the fish out of the water. [gaff: noun]
Example
The sailor used the gaff to adjust the sail. [gaff: noun]
Example
The politician's comment was a real gaff. [gaff: noun]
hook
Example
She caught a big fish with her hook. [hook: noun]
Example
I need a hook to hang this picture on the wall. [hook: noun]
Example
The song has a great hook that gets stuck in your head. [hook: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hook is a more common word than gaff and is used in a wider range of contexts. Gaff is more specialized and is primarily used in nautical or fishing contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gaff and hook?
Both gaff and hook are relatively informal words, but gaff may be slightly more formal due to its association with nautical terminology.
