English Explanatory Dictionary

claptrap

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Empty verbiage or nonsense.
  2. A device for producing a clapping sound in theaters.
  3. A device or trick to gain applause; a humbug.

Pronunciation

/ˈklæpˌtɹæp/ en-au-claptrap.ogg En-us-claptrap.oga

Word forms

claptrap claptraps clap trap clap-trap

Etymology

Theater slang, c. 1730, from clap + trap, referring to theatrical techniques or gags used to incite applause.

Synonyms

hot air palaver waffle absurdity all my eye all my eye and Betty Martin applesauce bafflegab balderdash balls baloney banana oil Bandini baragouin batcrap batshit bilgewater blah blather blatherskite bobbins bollocks bosh BS bull bullcrap bulldust bull feathers bullshit bullspeak bunk bunkum bushwah clamjamfrey claptrap cobblers codswallop crap crock crock of shit double Dutch double talk doublespeak dribble drivel eyewash fiddle-faddle flapdoodle flim-flam flizz flummery folderol foolishness footle framis fuckery fuckry fudge galimatias Gallophone

Derived words

claptrappery claptrappy
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