What does riffraff mean?
Riffraff is a disparaging noun for a group of people regarded as disreputable, unimportant, or contemptible. It often evokes a noisy, disorderly crowd—such as the people gathered around a fairground, occupying the lower ranks of a society, or joining a suspect enterprise. The word is emphatic rather than neutral, so its use can express prejudice, hostility, or a desire to dismiss a group as unworthy of attention. An older and now much less common sense refers to miscellaneous rubbish, odds and ends, or worthless material. Riffraff was originally associated with a rough or contemptible troop of soldiers, but its meaning broadened to encompass any disreputable collection of people. The word remains familiar in British and American English, although it can sound old-fashioned in careful formal writing and may be considered insulting. In less formal contexts, it is especially effective when the intention is to portray a group as both disorganized and unworthy of respect.
nounA disreputable, disorderly, or contemptible group of people; a rabble. In older usage, it can also refer to miscellaneous rubbish or odds and ends.
- A disreputable, disorderly, or contemptible group of people.
- A collection of rubbish, odds and ends, or miscellaneous things.
"The fairground filled with fortune-tellers, gamblers, and other riffraff."
"The fairground filled with fortune-tellers, gamblers, and other riffraff."
"The attic was full of old bills, broken tools, and general riffraff."
The usual plural form is unchanged; the plural riffraffs is also recorded but is rare.
"The riffraff were chased away by the police."
Once a label for a rough band of soldiers, riffraff now delivers a lasting verdict on people considered disreputable or beneath notice.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of riffraff
The expression entered English in the late 16th century through French rif raf. Its deeper origin is generally traced to Middle Dutch, where riffen meant “to plunder” and raf meant “chaff” or “rubbish.” It was initially associated with a rough troop of soldiers before developing into a broader term for a disreputable crowd and, later, for miscellaneous odds and ends.
How riffraff is actually used
The modern sense is strongly disparaging and may express contempt, prejudice, or social snobbery. It is usually treated as a collective noun, with agreement depending on context and regional convention.
Easily confused with riffraff
Riffraff is a derogatory term for a disreputable group of people, whereas a raffle is a lottery or drawing in which tickets are sold or issued.