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.

---

adjective

1. worthless, disreputable, or trashy.

riffraff British  

/ ˈrɪfˌræf /

noun

1. worthless people, esp collectively; rabble

2. dialect worthless rubbish

---

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

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

From BBC • Jun. 28, 2023

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 • Mar. 28, 2023

After all, someone’s gotta clear out the riffraff and the scammers, right?

From Slate • Jan. 6, 2023

In late October, President Miguel Díaz-Canel called for a crackdown on the practice, referring to the revendedores as “criminals, swindlers, riffraff, the lazy and the corrupt.”

From Seattle Times • Nov. 27, 2022

“Inspection, right. Very careful we must be. Can’t allow any riffraff or deserters,” I said.

From "Salt to the Sea" by Ruta Sepetys