Pronunciation: [ɡˈaŋɡə] (IPA) 
The word "ganger" is spelled with the letter "g" followed by "a" and "n" which have a short "a" sound and a nasal "n" sound. The final "g" in the word is silent, so it is pronounced with a long "a" sound followed by an "r" sound. In IPA phonetic transcription, "ganger" is spelled as /ˈɡeɪŋər/. This word often refers to a leader of a gang or a group of workers, particularly in the construction industry.
A ganger is a term that refers to a person who supervises or leads a gang of workers, particularly in manual labor industries such as construction, road maintenance, or railway works. This word is primarily used in British English and is derived from the term "gang," which represents a group of workers working together.
The main responsibility of a ganger is to ensure that the tasks are performed efficiently and meet the required standards. They are in charge of assigning tasks to individual gang members, providing instruction, and overseeing the workflow on-site. A ganger also ensures that safety regulations and procedures are followed, and that all workers have the necessary tools and equipment to perform their duties.
Additionally, a ganger plays a significant role in coordinating with other teams or departments involved in the project. They communicate with engineers, supervisors, or project managers to relay information, report progress, and address any issues or concerns that may arise during the course of the work.
Being a ganger requires strong leadership skills, the ability to make decisions quickly, and effective communication skills. They must be knowledgeable about the specific industry they are working in and have a good understanding of the tasks and processes involved. A ganger's ultimate goal is to ensure that the work is completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
The foreman of a gang of labourers on a railway.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "ganger" originates from the Old English word "gangan", which means "to go" or "to walk". In Old English, a "ganga" referred to a group of workers who moved together to work on a particular task. Over time, this term evolved to specifically refer to a person who led or supervised a group of workers, especially in manual labor tasks like construction or farming. The term "ganger" is still commonly used in British English to refer to a foreman or supervisor of a gang of workers.
