raffish

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   marked by a carefree unconventionality or disreputableness

   The raffish students were known for throwing wild parties.

2. 2
   adj

   marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners

   The raffish hipsters dressed in the latest trends.

From late 18th century raff (“persons among the lowest class in society”) + -ish, still retained in contemporary English with riffraff. From Old French raffer (“to wear away”), of Germanic origin. Compare German raffen. Compare rip (“to tear”), rap (“to snatch”).

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