riff(s)
|riff|
/rɪf/
(riff)
short musical idea; improvise
Etymology
'riff' originates from English jazz slang (early 20th century), probably as a clipped form of 'refrain' or a variant coined by musicians to mean a repeated musical figure.
'riff' developed in jazz and popular music usage (1920s–1930s) from shorter forms and slang for 'refrain' and evolved into the modern musical and informal senses of 'riff'.
Initially it referred to a short repeated refrain or figure in music; over time it broadened to include instrumental improvisations and informal spoken improvisation (to 'riff' on a topic).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a short, repeated musical phrase or figure, often used as an accompaniment or hook (especially in rock, pop, and jazz).
The guitarist played several riff(s) that the crowd immediately recognized.
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Noun 2
an instrumental or vocal improvisation — a short, spontaneous musical idea played or repeated.
During the jam session each musician added their own riff(s) over the groove.
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Noun 3
informal: a sustained spoken improvisation or witty, repetitive banter on a topic (often in comedy or conversation).
On the podcast they went into a long riff(s) about city life and coffee culture.
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Verb 1
to improvise musically, especially by playing short repeated phrases or variations on a theme.
At the end of the set the band riff(s) freely over the chorus.
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Verb 2
to speak or perform in an improvised, often playful or extended, way about a subject (to 'riff on' a topic).
She likes to riff(s) about movies when she interviews actors.
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Last updated: 2025/11/17 19:08