riffraff

American  

[rif-raf] / ˈrɪfˌræf /

noun

1. people, or a group of people, regarded as disreputable or worthless.

   a pack of riffraff.

2. the lowest classes; rabble.

   the riffraff of the city.

3. trash; rubbish.

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adjective

1. worthless, disreputable, or trashy.

riffraff British  

/ ˈrɪfˌræf /

noun

1. worthless people, esp collectively; rabble

2. dialect worthless rubbish

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Etymology

Origin of riffraff

1425–75; late Middle English rif and raf every particle, things of small value < Old French rif et raf, formed on rifler to spoil ( rifle ² ), raffler to ravage, snatch away

Example Sentences

The first half of the film finds our riffraff joining forces to escape Valentina’s death trap; the second is a parable about mental illness where the metaphors take command over the plot.

From Los Angeles Times

He has some friends — acquaintances, really — whom he hates, mentally labeling them “the riffraff, the vulgarians, the slobs.”

From New York Times

Just before the riots he had also responded to a rowdy reception committee in one banlieue by calling them racaille - riffraff.

From BBC

Indeed, this “savage,” as Shakespeare took pains to note in his complicated depiction of Caliban, is a good deal more civilized than the drunken riffraff with whom he falls into cahoots.

From Los Angeles Times

“I’ve dealt with the riffraff on the street for 14 years so I know how to play that,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times