riffraff

Alternative forms

• riff-raff

Etymology

From Old French rif et raf (“one and all”), of Germanic origin. The first word is from rifler (“to scrape off”) and the last is from raffler, related to rafler (“to plunder”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈɹɪfɹæf/

• Audio (Southern England):

  (file)

Noun

riffraff (usually uncountable, plural riffraffs)

1. (informal, somewhat derogatory) The rabble; crowds; people of a low, disreputable or undesirable class or position.

   Synonyms: see Thesaurus:commonalty

   They started charging a modest fee in an effort to keep the riffraff out.

   • 2019 December 10, Yacht Club Games, Shovel Knight: King of Cards, Nintendo 3DS, scene: ending:

     Mom: [Walks away with King Pridemoor.] / King Knight: 'MOM, WAIT! ..... MOM!! *SIGH* WELL, FINALLY, THE RIFF-RAFF... AND MY MOM, ARE GONE.'

2. (informal) Sweepings; refuse.

Further reading

• James A. H. Murray et al., editors (1884–1928), “Riffraff”, in A New English Dictionary on Historical Principles (Oxford English Dictionary), London: Clarendon Press, →OCLC.