Vocabulary word Riffraff - Practice with online flashcards, spelling bees and vocabulary quizzes

Conduct and Character

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Disdain and Contempt

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Social Status and Hierarchy

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Vexation and Aggravation

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Dictionary Definition of riffraff

A group of people considered to be of low social status or lacking in manners, sophistication, or respectability.
"The park was once a peaceful haven, but now it was filled with riffraff causing trouble."

Detailed Meaning of Riffraff

The term is often used to describe individuals who are seen as undesirable or disreputable within a particular community or society. Riffraff typically denotes a collection of individuals who may be perceived as troublemakers, outcasts, or individuals who engage in unsavory behavior. It is a term that carries a negative connotation and is often used to express disdain or contempt towards those who are seen as socially inferior or morally questionable. The word "riffraff" has been used throughout history to label and marginalize certain groups, highlighting the social divisions and prejudices that exist within societies.

Example Sentences for Riffraff

1. The upscale neighborhood was determined to keep the riffraff out, implementing strict security measures.
2. The exclusive club had a reputation for refusing entry to anyone they considered riffraff.
3. The new management aimed to clean up the hotel by evicting the riffraff that had taken up residence.
4. The theater's dress code was designed to deter any riffraff from attending their performances.
5. The city's mayor promised to crack down on the riffraff that had been causing disturbances in the downtown area.
6. The elite school prided itself on providing a sheltered environment, free from riffraff.

Origin and Etymology of Riffraff

The word 'riffraff' has its origins in Middle English, where it was initially spelled as 'rif and raf.' This term was a combination of two Old French words: 'rif,' meaning 'everything,' and 'raf,' meaning 'refuse' or 'remnants.' In essence, 'rif and raf' referred to the miscellaneous and often undesirable elements or people in a group. Over time, this phrase evolved into the single word 'riffraff' in English, maintaining its connotation of a group of individuals perceived as being of low social status or lacking in manners and respectability.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the noun riffraff:

elite

rabble

high society

aristocracy

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More Usage Examples of Riffraff

1. The local residents organized a neighborhood watch to keep an eye out for any riffraff entering their community.
2. The club bouncer was instructed to turn away anyone who looked like riffraff.
3. The prestigious art gallery was careful not to attract the riffraff by setting high ticket prices.
4. The affluent couple refused to associate with anyone they considered riffraff, choosing their social circle carefully.
5. The politician vowed to clean up the city and rid it of the riffraff that had been plaguing the streets.
6. The high-end store installed security systems to protect their merchandise from riffraff attempting to steal.
7. The gated community was considered a safe haven away from the riffraff of the city.
8. The uppity restaurant had a reputation for turning away anyone they deemed riffraff, regardless of their attire.
9. The exclusive club had no tolerance for riffraff.
10. The park was occasionally visited by riffraff after dark.
11. The neighborhood became safer once the riffraff moved out.
12. The upscale event attracted a diverse crowd, not just riffraff.
13. The security guard kept an eye out for any riffraff.
14. The theater aimed to attract a sophisticated audience, not riffraff.
15. The party was ruined by the arrival of some riffraff.
16. The city's efforts to clean up the park discouraged riffraff.
17. The hotel had a strict policy against letting riffraff in.
18. She was concerned about her son hanging out with riffraff.
19. The restaurant aimed to maintain an elegant atmosphere, free of riffraff.
20. The historical site was often vandalized by riffraff.
21. The school implemented new policies to deter riffraff.
22. The country club had a reputation for excluding riffraff.
23. The town's residents were fed up with the influx of riffraff.