rif

or riff

[rif]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR rif ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), riffed, rif·fing. Informal.

to discharge (a person) from military or civil service, especially as part of an economy program.

Origin of rif

First recorded in 1945–50; special use of RIF

riff

[rif]Jazz.

noun

a melodic phrase, often constantly repeated, forming an accompaniment or part of an accompaniment for a soloist.

verb (used without object)

to perform riffs.

Origin of riff

First recorded in 1930–35; perhaps alteration and shortening of refrain²

Can be confusedriff rift

riff

[rif]

verb (used with object) Informal.

rif.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for riffed

search, browse, flash, examine, scour, skim, check, scan, skip, glance, riffle, thumb, riff, regard, look, rumble, inquire, study, overlook, sweep

Examples from the Web for riffed

Contemporary Examples of riffed

The Daily Beast: In the 1920s, Chaim Soutine riffed on Rembrandt's butchery.
Oil Paint, Dry-Aged and Beefy
Blake Gopnik
June 28, 2013
Warhol and Lichtenstein riffed on product logos and comic books because it was ironic.
The Accidental Artist
Rachel Wolff
October 15, 2009

British Dictionary definitions for riffed

Rif

Riff Rifi (ˈrɪfɪ)

noun

plural Rifs, Riffs, Rifis, Rif, Riff or Rifi a member of a Berber people, inhabiting the Atlas Mountains in Morocco

Also called: Rifian, Riffian (ˈrɪfɪən) the dialect of Berber spoken by this people

See Er Rif

riff

noun

(in jazz or rock music) a short series of chords

verb

(intr) to play or perform riffs in jazz or rock music

informal to speak amusingly or make (amusing comments or remarks)

Word Origin for riff

C20: probably altered and shortened from refrain ²

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for riffed

riff

"melodic phrase in jazz," 1935 (but said to have been used by musicians since c.1917), of uncertain origin, perhaps a shortened form of riffle, or altered from refrain. The verb is attested from 1942, from the noun. Also in extended use. Related: Riffed; riffing.