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gibfish

Gibfish is a British dialectal term for a male salmon — specifically a male Atlantic salmon, sometimes in the context of a spent fish (one that has recently spawned).

ˈɡɪfbɪʃ166 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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UK
#1·Apr 28, 2026UK

Gibfish is a British dialectal term for a male salmon — specifically a male Atlantic salmon, sometimes in the context of a spent fish (one that has recently spawned). The term appears in older British fishing literature and dialect records, particularly in relation to Scottish and Northern English river fishing. It is archaic in everyday usage; contemporary anglers would simply say 'cock salmon' or 'male salmon.' Of interest to fishing history enthusiasts and dialect researchers.

The gillie pointed out the gibfish resting in the pool below the weir, its colours already dulling after the spawning run.
Origin: 'Gib' (possibly from 'gib' meaning a castrated cat or altered animal, applied to a spent male) + 'fish'; dialectal British fishing vocabulary. Editorial expansion authored on Slangora (model-assisted, hedged).
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UK
#2·Apr 27, 2026UK

(UK, dialect) A male salmon.

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UK and Irish slang — Cockney, Scouse, Geordie, Yorkshire, Glaswegian, Brummie, Welsh, West Country, plus Irish English. Centuries of regional dialects feeding into modern British and Irish street talk.

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