riff

/rɪf/
verb
  1. To play or perform a musical riff.
    • The drummer riffed along with the bass line.
    • The band riffed on the main theme for several minutes.
    • He loves to riff on his guitar late at night.
  2. To speak or write in a clever, extended, or improvisational way on a subject.
    • During the podcast, they riffed about their favorite movies.
    • She riffed off the audience's questions with ease.
    • The professor riffed on the meaning of freedom for an hour.
noun
  1. A short, repeated musical phrase, especially in jazz, rock, or pop music.
    • The song opens with a heavy bass riff.
    • Jazz musicians often improvise new riffs over the chord changes.
    • The guitarist played a catchy riff that everyone remembered.
  2. A clever or amusing remark or commentary on a topic.
    • The comedian went on a hilarious riff about modern technology.
    • The article is a long riff on the absurdities of office culture.
    • Her speech was a witty riff on the challenges of parenting.
What does "riff" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean