MEANING
Unconventional and somewhat disreputable in a carelessly attractive way.
Use it for
Unpolished nightlife; charming impropriety; places resisting respectabilityGive a venue an appealing lack of polish without pretending it is impeccable.
Words that belong together
- raffish charm
- raffish atmosphere
- raffish district
On the page
The waterfront cafés retained a raffish charm after the luxury hotels arrived.
Critics loved the club's raffish atmosphere more than its overpriced drinks.
Her parents distrusted the raffish district where painters kept late hours.
Nearby words
Opposite meanings
Related words
Word forms
- Base
- raffish
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Usage notes
Primary category: setting. Old-fashioned or literary; often combines social irregularity with charm. Unlike seedy, may carry admiration. Do not treat it as a neutral description of poverty. Comparative: more raffish; superlative: most raffish.
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