How Do You Spell RIFFRAFF?

Pronunciation: [ɹˈɪfɹaf] (IPA)

The word "riffraff" describes a group of disreputable or undesirable people. The spelling of "riffraff" follows English orthographic conventions, with two "f" characters used in succession. The IPA phonetic transcription for "riffraff" is /ˈrɪfˌræf/, with the stress on the first syllable "riff" and the "a" in "raf" pronounced as a short vowel. This word has its roots in Middle English and likely derived from Scandinavian languages, ultimately meaning "rubble" or "bits and pieces."

RIFFRAFF Meaning and Definition

1. Riffraff is a noun that refers to a group or collection of people who are considered to be lower class, disreputable, or undesirable individuals. It is often used in a derogatory manner to describe a social group that is seen as common, vulgar, or of a low social standing.

   Originating from the Middle English word "rif and raf," riffraff originally meant the waste or remnants after sifting or sorting. Over time, its usage extended to encompass people regarded as worthless or insignificant, akin to the remains discarded in the sifting process.

   In contemporary usage, riffraff is commonly employed to describe people who are seen as unruly, uncultured, or lacking in proper social behavior and etiquette. It often carries connotations of shabbiness, a lack of refinement, or being morally dubious. This term is generally used to denote a group, rather than an individual, and can refer to any social class or background.

   Typically, riffraff implies a negative judgment about the character or reputation of the group it describes. However, it is important to note that the term is subjective and can be influenced by personal biases and prejudices. In a more figurative sense, riffraff can also be used metaphorically to describe disorganized or jumbled elements or ideas.

2. Refuse; dregs; scum of anything. As of society; the rabble.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for RIFFRAFF

• rifraff
• eiffraff
• diffraff
• fiffraff
• tiffraff
• 5iffraff
• 4iffraff
• ruffraff
• rjffraff
• rkffraff
• roffraff
• r9ffraff
• r8ffraff
• ridfraff
• ricfraff
• rivfraff
• rifrraf
• riffrapf
• Affraffe

Etymology of RIFFRAFF

The word "riffraff" is dated back to the early 15th century. It is a compound word derived from the combination of two Middle English words – "riff" and "raff".

The term "riff" was a derogatory term for refuse or rubbish, which later developed into the modern English word "rubbish". Meanwhile, "raff" meant worthless or inferior individuals, often associated with the lower classes of society.

Over time, the two words were fused together to create "riffraff", which initially meant a group of worthless or low-class people. It was often used to refer to the lower social strata or the more unruly and disorderly elements of society. Today, "riffraff" is used to describe a disreputable or unsavory group of people.

Idioms with the word RIFFRAFF

• riffraff The idiom "riffraff" refers to a group of people who are considered to be of low social status, undesirable, or disreputable. It is often used to describe individuals who are seen as lacking in manners, character, or morals.