raffish
English
Etymology
From late 18th century raff (indicating "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”).
Adjective
raffish (comparative more raffish, superlative most raffish)
- Characterized by careless unconventionality; rakish.
- Low-class; disreputable; vulgar.