guv en · NOUN
Etymology
Alternative phonetic spelling of gov, short for governor.
Meanings
-
(Ireland, London, UK, informal) A form of address to a man, usually a stranger or a superior.
Spare two quid, guv? I 'aven't eaten since yesterday.
Right away, guv... I mean, sarge.
-
(UK, informal) A male prison officer.
We cover up the window so the guvs can't see us.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| guvs | Number=Plur | lexicographic | |
| gov | alternative | lexicographic |
Relateds
Synonyms
guv'nor · mate (to a stranger of comparable status) · boss
Translations (10)
sh gazda (form of address) · pl kierowniczka (form of address) · hu főnök (form of address) · sv grabben (form of address) · sh šef (form of address) · pl kierownik (form of address) · cs šéfíku (form of address) · cs šéfe (form of address) · fr chef (form of address) · fr patron (form of address)