riff

A short musical phrase that repeats in a song, often played on a guitar.

• The song starts with a guitar riff.
• She played the same riff on her bass.
• Their new track has some memorable riffs.

Common phrases: guitar riff, bass riff, opening riff

A new version of an existing idea, style, or thing, with creative changes.

• This dish is a riff on a classic soup.
• Her novel offers a modern riff on an old tale.
• The designer presented several riffs on the same basic shape.

How to use it: a riff on something (This dessert is a riff on a traditional apple pie.)

Similar words: variation, reinterpretation

Common phrases: riff on something, modern riff

A clever or funny remark.

• His quick riff made everyone laugh.
• She added a clever riff about the weather.
• The comedian’s latest riff drew a loud laugh.

Similar words: quip, wisecrack

Common phrases: funny riff, clever riff

A funny imitation of a work or style that makes fun of it.

• The film is a comic riff on spy thrillers.
• Their riff on the famous speech made the audience laugh.
• She wrote a playful riff on a romantic poem.

How to use it: a riff on something (Their sketch is a riff on serious detective dramas.)

Similar words: spoof, parody

Common phrases: comic riff, riff on something

To make up music, jokes, or other creative material as you perform, often developing an existing idea.

• The musicians riffed together for an hour.
• He likes to riff on ideas suggested by the audience.
• The comedian was riffing about her disastrous holiday.

How to use it: riff on something (The pianist riffed on a familiar tune.); riff about something (She riffed about family life during her show.)

Similar words: improvise

Common phrases: riff on something, riff about something

To make funny comments while watching a film or another performance.

• We riffed the terrible movie all evening.
• The hosts riffed on an old science fiction film.
• My friends love riffing during cheesy action scenes.

How to use it: riff on something (They riffed on the film throughout the screening.)

Similar words: MST

Common phrases: riff a movie, riff on something

To turn quickly through pages or similar flat objects.

• She riffed through the book.
• He riffed the pages with his thumb.
• I riffed through the papers looking for my receipt.

How to use it: riff through something (He riffed through the magazine while waiting.)

Similar words: riffle, flip through

Common phrases: riff through something, riff the pages