Could someone please explain the difference between a gimmick and a gaffe? Also, their use as adjectives, i.e. a "gimmicked prop" versus a "gaffed prop"?

I have heard that the difference is that a gimmick is generally an unseen aid, while a gaff is a visible object with certain unseen elements that make it not exactly what it appears to be, or more than what it appears to be.

However... I am not an expert in hair-splitting on terms here. I think that in many cases, the two words or phrases have been used interchangably to the point that regardless of which one you use, magicians will get the point of the statement. Webster's even shows cross-over definitions between the two.

Hopefully, someone out there can tighten the noose here.

Mr. Baker seems to really hit the nail on the head in his above post, but I have also noticed that the two terms are becoming incresingly interchangeable.

I'm curious, though, of the origins of the word "gaff". Anyone know where that comes from?

From my poking around, it seems that the origin of gaffe (or gaff) as a "cheat or trick" is uncertain. However, since another meaning of it is "a large hook attached to a pole to haul in big fish," it seems that that connection would make at least for some good folk etymology, if not the real deal.

From Websters:

gaff: Slang. A trick or gimmick, especially one used in a swindle or to rig a game.

gimmick: A device employed to cheat, deceive, or trick, especially a mechanism for the secret and dishonest control of gambling apparatus.

Seems to be interchangable !!!????

The word gaff is also a transitive verb, as in "to gaff something", meaning to alter or rig it in some way so as to have it perform a trick or stunt.

A gaffer is a term used for an electrician or lighting director on a movie set. Gaffers rig the lights to perform a specific function.

Gaffer's tape is used for rigging any number of things.

Are we getting closer?

@dazbaz, you made it all clear, I did not knew the difference between them also before Thanks.

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