noun

riffraff

RIHF-raf

Riffraff (noun) means People regarded as disreputable or of low social standing, especially as a group. Example: “The bouncer was told to keep the riffraff out of the VIP area.”

noun

People regarded as disreputable or of low social standing, especially as a group.

"The bouncer was told to keep the riffraff out of the VIP area."

How to use riffraff

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA dismissive term for people seen as low-class, disreputable, or unwanted.

When to use it

Old-fashioned and somewhat snobbish in tone; mostly used humorously or self-consciously today.

Word forms

riffraffs plural

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Fill the gap

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The bouncer was told to keep the _____ out of the VIP area.

Etymology

From Old French rif et raf (\"one and all\"), combining words meaning \"to scrape off\" and \"to plunder\".

Origin: Old French

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\".

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Words that end with F