Raves are sometimes called "rafes" by people in the scene who consider
the concept of a traditional rave somewhat humorous. Calling a
particular event a "rafe" instead of a "rave" is a slightly sarcastic way of saying, "This isn't one of those 'goofy' raves, it's more hardcore." Hardcore, of course, can refer to any number of niche elements of a rave that can be "more hardcore." (More glowsticking, more breakdancing, more HHC, more Jungle/DnB, more PLUR, more
underground, etc.)