riff. n. /rIf/. 1 A short repeated phrase in popular music and jazz, typically used as an introduction or refrain in a song; ‘a brilliant guitar riff’. 2 vb. To speak for a long time on a particular subject, occasionally in a humorous way; ‘He strutted and riffed on topics from global warming to parenthood’. Derivative n. Riff-raff. vb. Refrain. Origin 1930s Here riffs are exploited in all their varying guises. First performed by Darragh Morgan (violin), Adi Tal (violoncello) and Mary Dullea (piano) on 27 January 2015 at the Boilerhouse, Royal Holloway University of London (London, UK).