1 : an old man — compare gammer. 2 British. a : foreman, overseer. b : employer.

What does Samwise mean when he says my old gaffer?

1y. I always interpreted this to mean the same as when they say “For The Shire” or “For Frodo” or when anyone shouts something similar before battle. It's meant to be a rallying cry, the thing they are fighting for. For Sam, he is fighting for his Old Gaffer, among other things. 8.

Why does Sam call Frodo dad?

ANSWER: People trying to answer the question “Why does Sam call him Mr. Frodo” usually note that in English (British) usage Mister is a rustic or — as the Etymology Dictionary Online says — “unaccented variant of master“. “Mister Frodo” is Sam's way of showing respect to his employer.