Riffing: meaning, definitions and examples

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riffing

 

[ หˆrษชfษชล‹ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

music performance

Riffing refers to the act of improvising or creating musical riffs, short repeated phrases, often in a jazz, rock, or blues context. It typically involves spontaneous, creative expression and can vary significantly between performances.

Synonyms

improvising, jamming, playing.

Examples of usage

  • The guitarist was riffing during the solo.
  • The band started riffing off each otherโ€™s ideas.
  • She loves riffing on different themes in her compositions.
Context #2 | Verb

comedy

In a comedic context, riffing means to make spontaneous, humorous remarks or comments, often based on a set theme or subject. Comedians frequently riff during performances, allowing them to engage with the audience and showcase their improvisational skills.

Synonyms

ad-libbing, bantering, improvising.

Examples of usage

  • The comedian was riffing off the audience's reactions.
  • They spent the night riffing about current events.
  • Riffing during his set kept the crowd laughing.

Translations

Translations of the word "riffing" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น riffando

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฐเคฟเคซเคผเคฟเค‚เค—

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Riffing

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ riffing

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั€ะธั„ั–ะฝะณ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ riffing

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒชใƒ•

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท riffing

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ riffing

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท riffing

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฆฌํ•‘

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฑูŠููŠู†ุบ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ riffing

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ riffing

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅณๅ…ดๆผ”ๅฅ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ riffing

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ riffing

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั€ะธั„ะธะฝะณ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ แƒ˜แƒคแƒ˜แƒœแƒ’แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ riffing

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ riffing

Etymology

The term 'riff' is derived from the word 'riffle,' which has its roots in the 1920s, used in a musical context to describe a brief and repeated melodic phrase. The use of 'riff' became popular in jazz music as musicians began using short, catchy phrases to enhance their improvisations. Over time, 'riffing' evolved in both musical and comedic contexts, with musicians and comedians alike using the term to describe spontaneous improvisation. In addition to its musical roots, during the late 20th century, particularly in the rock and hip-hop scenes, riffing has become a significant part of live performances and creative songwriting, highlighting the artists' skills and quick thinking.