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riffed

/rɪfd/ verb · British & US
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What does riffed mean?

The verb 'riffed' refers to the act of improvising or playing a musical phrase or passage in a repetitive and often humorous way. This can be done on any instrument, but is most commonly associated with guitar and drums. In music, to riff means to add a catchy and memorable melody or beat to a song, often by playing around with a chord progression or beat. Riffing can be used to create a sense of tension and release, or to add a funky and unexpected twist to a song. The term 'riffed' is often used in a jazz or rock context, but can also be applied to other genres of music. Overall, 'riffed' is a useful word for musicians and music enthusiasts to describe the act of improvising or playing a musical phrase or passage in a creative and humorous way.

verb

To improvise or play a musical phrase or passage in a repetitive and often humorous way, typically in a jazz or rock context.

Senses
  1. To improvise or play a musical phrase or passage in a repetitive and often humorous way, typically in a jazz or rock context.
Example

"The guitarist riffed on the chord progression, creating a catchy and memorable melody."

More examples

"The guitarist riffed on the chord progression, creating a catchy and memorable melody."

"The drummer riffed on the beat, adding a funky and unexpected twist."

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Etymology of riffed

The word 'riffed' is derived from the verb 'riffle', which means to play or improvise a musical phrase or passage in a repetitive and often humorous way. This verb is thought to have originated in the 1940s, in the context of jazz music. Over time, the term 'riffed' emerged as a variant of 'riffle', and has since been used to describe the act of improvising or playing a musical phrase or passage in a creative and humorous way.

How riffed is actually used

In music, to riff means to improvise or play a musical phrase or passage in a repetitive and often humorous way. This can be done on any instrument, but is most commonly associated with guitar and drums.

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What's the opposite of riffed?

Rhymes with riffed