raff

A man from the raff watches a street performer in the city square.

Definition

1. Noun (uncountable, often derogatory):
   • The common, worthless, or disreputable part of society; the rabble: "raff" refers to a group of people considered to be of low social standing, lacking refinement or value.
   • Rubbish or worthless material: In rare, extended use, "raff" can denote items of no worth or value.

Usage Examples

• (The disreputable, lower-class people.)
• (Worthless material.)

Advanced Usage

• "raff and riffraff": A tautological phrase emphasizing contempt for the lowest social classes.
  • He refused to associate with the raff and riffraff of the city. (The most disreputable people.)

Variants and Related Words

• Riffraff (n): a more common term meaning the same as "raff" — the disreputable or undesirable part of society.
  • The party was spoiled by the riffraff who crashed the gate. (Undesirable people.)

Synonyms

• Rabble: a disorderly crowd; the lower classes.
• Dregs: the most worthless part of something, often used of people.
• Scum: a derogatory term for contemptible people.

Related Idioms

• "The great unwashed": a humorous or contemptuous term for the common people, similar in tone to "raff".
  • The politician pandered to the great unwashed for votes. (The ordinary, less refined populace.)