riffraff
[ rif-raf ]
/ ˈrɪfˌræf /
noun
people, or a group of people, regarded as disreputable or worthless: a pack of riffraff.
the lowest classes; rabble: the riffraff of the city.
trash; rubbish.
adjective
worthless, disreputable, or trashy.
Origin of riffraff
1425–75; late Middle English
rif and raf every particle, things of small value < Old French
rif et raf, formed on
rifler to spoil (see
rifle2),
raffler to ravage, snatch away
Words nearby riffraff
riff,
riffage,
riffle,
riffler,
riffola,
riffraff,
rifle,
rifle bird,
rifle green,
rifle grenade,
rifle pit
Example sentences from the Web for riffraff
British Dictionary definitions for riffraff
riffraff
/ (ˈrɪfˌræf) /
noun (sometimes functioning as plural)
worthless people, esp collectively; rabble
dialect
worthless rubbish
Word Origin for riffraff
C15
rif and raf, from Old French
rif et raf; related to
rifler to plunder, and
rafle a sweeping up; see
rifle ²,
raffle