This word confusion of riffle versus rifle in terms of a search has always bugged me.

Riffle and rifle both involve a search, but there’s a difference of intent.

The first, riffle, is a look through, flipping through something. In considering that the synonyms include ruffle and shuffle, riffle is definitely more of a “friendly” look-see.

When you consider that one of the definitions of rifle involves theft, it makes sense that rifle is more of a criminal act or search to cause harm or raise alarm.

Continue reading HERE