Riffraff

Pronunciation: /ˈrɪfˌræf/

Definitions of riffraff

noun people regarded as worthless or disreputable

Example Sentences

A1 The village was full of riffraff causing trouble.

A2 The bar owner didn't want riffraff disturbing his customers.

B1 The neighborhood was known for its riffraff hanging around on street corners.

B2 The elite club had strict rules to keep riffraff out.

C1 The politician was criticized for referring to the protesters as riffraff.

C2 The security team was tasked with keeping riffraff away from the event.

Examples of riffraff in a Sentence

formal The exclusive club had a strict dress code to keep out the riffraff.

informal I don't want to hang out at that bar, it's always full of riffraff.

slang Let's find a new spot to chill, this place is crawling with riffraff.

figurative She felt like she didn't belong among the riffraff of society.

Grammatical Forms of riffraff

• past tense: riffraffed
• plural: riffraffs
• comparative: more riffraff
• superlative: most riffraff
• present tense: riffraffs
• future tense: will riffraff
• perfect tense: have riffraffed
• continuous tense: is riffraffing
• singular: riffraff
• positive degree: riffraff
• infinitive: to riffraff
• gerund: riffraffing
• participle: riffraffed

Origin and Evolution of riffraff

First Known Use: 1400 year

Language of Origin: Middle English

Story behind the word: The word 'riffraff' originated from Middle English, derived from Old French 'rif et raf' meaning 'one and all'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'riffraff' has evolved to refer to a group of people regarded as disreputable or worthless, often used in a derogatory manner to describe a lower social class or individuals of questionable character.