Raff

/ræf/ noun

Definition

Refuse, rubbish, or people considered to be of low social status (often considered offensive).

Etymology

Possibly from Middle Dutch 'raf' (rubbish) or Old Norse 'raf' (rags). The word historically meant worthless scraps and was later applied derisively to people.

Kelly Says

The phrase 'riffraff' comes from this word—'riff' and 'raff' were old rhyming words both meaning worthless stuff, so people said both together to emphasize how dismissive they were being!

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