riff 

Something that nu metal bands can't seem to use with good effect.

no needed

riff by Mike B July 2, 2003

RIFF 

Acronym for "Rowing Is For Fags". Used in short form to confuse and mislead people who see this written on any rowing paraphernalia, often to make them believe it stands for "Rowing Is For Fun".

Note: Rowers came up with this acronym

Heading: "We won the champ 8+ at Henley!... Whatever, RIFF"

RIFF by RIFF99 July 27, 2011

Riff 

In music a riff is a repeated instrumental melody in a song like that catchy guitar lick from Black Sabbath's "Iron Man." It also means to improvise in your performance, esp. by expanding on something recognizable. So another artist might start with Sabbath's "Iron Man" melody at a live show and then take it in completely different direction.

"Man that's a sick guitar riff in that Metallica song Enter Sandman"

"I saw this great improv jazz band that could really riff."

The term is also often used to describe inspiration and improvisation in other things like acting, comedy, dancing, drawing, djing/scratching etc.

a b-boy might say, "So, I was breakin with Jamil the other day and was feelin what he was doin so I started riffin off his style and adding some new flava to it. I vibed off his uprock but threw in some popping and dropped down to a wind mill...It was dope."

an mc might say, "Yo me and my boy were in a cipher last night and we just started to riff off each other, we were just lettin it flow back and forth, ya know what I'm sayin."

Riff by mockarena April 16, 2009

Riff 

Incredibly cool; a combination of "rad " (see: "rad") and kiff (ditto "kiff).

Dude, that air was so epic, it was like the Great Barrier Riff, man!

Riff by Commonwealthy April 22, 2015

riff 

Plain and simply: Selected guitar melodies.


HORNS UP! ^nn^
KEEP IT SICK AND BRUTAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Black Sabbath: IRON MAN!!!!!!!!!!!
The latter encompasses one of the catchiest riffs ever created.

riff by Dimmu80 February 9, 2004

riff 

A poor person, used as a term of offence for people who look scruffy, dirty or are just generally poverty stricken. Use in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire has been recorded for the best part of the last 15 years.

"What a bunch of fuckin' riffs"
"Get lost you riff"
"I'm not goin down the Duke, it's well riffy"

riff by Captain Robot April 17, 2006

Riff 

A non-rural redneck, likely from the Oregon Hill, lakeside, Grace Street or Jeff Davis corridor neighborhoods in Richmond Virginia.

Also:
An acronym for the 'Reading is Fundamental' program started by Eastern US. libraries in the 1970's. The 'R.I.F. Mobile' was a mobile library inside of a bus or van that carried books to kids in underprivileged neighborhoods.

"You wont frigging believe what Mickey the Riff did this time"
"Hey man, those Riff Kids have been scoping out your bike"

Riff by paintwagon July 23, 2009