riffraff
2 synonyms for riffraff, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — People regarded as disreputable or of low social standing, especially as a group.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From Old French rif et raf (\"one and all\"), combining words meaning \"to scrape off\" and \"to plunder\".
Full origin of riffraff →Frequently asked questions
What does “riffraff” mean?
The word “riffraff” means people regarded as disreputable or of low social standing, especially as a group. In plain terms, a dismissive term for people seen as low-class, disreputable, or unwanted.
How do you pronounce “riffraff”?
“Riffraff” is pronounced RIHF-raf (/ˈɹɪfɹæf/ in IPA).
How do you use “riffraff” in a sentence?
Here is “riffraff” used in a sentence: “The bouncer was told to keep the riffraff out of the VIP area.”
What part of speech is “riffraff”?
“Riffraff” is a noun.
Where does the word “riffraff” come from?
The word “riffraff” comes from Old French. From Old French rif et raf (\"one and all\"), combining words meaning \"to scrape off\" and \"to plunder\".
