2. A trick or device to gain applause, especially pretentious but empty rhetoric; humbug. [1913 Webster +PJC]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
Claptrap — Clap trap , a. Contrived for the purpose of making a show, or gaining applause; deceptive; unreal. [1913 Webster] || … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
claptrap — c.1730, trick to catch applause, a stage term; from CLAP (Cf. clap) (v.) + TRAP (Cf. trap) (n.). Extended sense of cheap, showy language is from 1819; hence nonsense, rubbish … Etymology dictionary
claptrap — ► NOUN ▪ nonsense. ORIGIN originally denoting something designed to elicit applause … English terms dictionary
claptrap — [klap′trap΄] n. [ CLAP1 + TRAP1] showy, insincere, empty talk or writing, intended only to get applause or notice … English World dictionary
claptrap — n. nonsense; something worthless. D This is enough claptrap. I’m leaving. □ I know claptrap when I see it, and your play was claptrap … Dictionary of American slang and colloquial expressions
claptrap — I. noun Etymology: 2clap; from its attempt to win applause Date: 1799 pretentious nonsense ; trash II. adjective Date: 1815 characterized by or suggestive of claptrap; especially of a cheap showy nature < claptrap sentiment > … New Collegiate Dictionary
claptrap — clap|trap [ˈklæptræp] n [U] [Date: 1800 1900; Origin: claptrap something intended to make the people watching a show clap (18 19 centuries)] informal talk that is stupid or shows a lack of knowledge ▪ romantic claptrap … Dictionary of contemporary English
claptrap — [[t]klæ̱ptræp[/t]] N UNCOUNT (disapproval) If you describe something that someone says as claptrap, you mean that it is stupid or foolish although it may sound important. [INFORMAL] This is the claptrap that politicians have peddled many times… … English dictionary
claptrap — /klap trap /, n. 1. pretentious but insincere or empty language: His speeches seem erudite but analysis reveals them to be mere claptrap. 2. any artifice or expedient for winning applause or impressing the public. [1720 30; CLAP1 + TRAP1] Syn. 1 … Universalium
claptrap — I (New American Roget s College Thesaurus) n. nonsense (See unmeaningness). II (Roget s IV) n. Syn. empty talk, drivel, bombast, bunk; see nonsense 1 . III (Roget s 3 Superthesaurus) (VOCABULARY WORD) n. [KLAP TRAP] pretentious writing or talk… … English dictionary for students
