Riffraff

Riffraff refers to people considered to be of low social class or of disreputable character. It often implies a group seen as undesirable or unruly, and it can carry connotations of being uneducated, uncivilized, or engaging in petty crime. The term is often used to express disdain or disapproval towards a particular segment of society and may be considered derogatory depending on the context and the intention of the speaker. The usage emphasizes the perceived lack of refinement, morality, or respectability of the individuals being described. Its implications extend to the idea of a group considered beneath others in terms of social standing.

Riffraff meaning with examples

• The exclusive country club was adamant about keeping the riffraff off their pristine golf course, implementing stringent membership requirements to maintain their elite image. The owners believed that the riffraff would ruin the serene atmosphere with their uncouth behavior and lower the value of their properties.
• Security was tight at the celebrity gala, designed to keep the riffraff away from the A-list attendees. A large perimeter fence and multiple checkpoints were strategically positioned to deter the unwanted attention of fans and paparazzi, ensuring the event's exclusivity.
• The politician used inflammatory language, denouncing the protestors as riffraff, hoping to galvanize his base and dismiss their concerns about the proposed policies. This rhetoric served to divide the population and portray opposing views as irrelevant.
• Despite the museum's efforts to attract a wide audience, the curator secretly feared that the influx of students and tourists would turn the galleries into a haven for riffraff, diminishing the refined atmosphere and compromising the artwork.