clacker: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, technical (specific contexts), slang (regional)
Quick answer
What does “clacker” mean?
A device or object that makes a sharp, repetitive clacking sound when operated.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device or object that makes a sharp, repetitive clacking sound when operated.
1. A toy consisting of two hard balls on a string that are swung together to make a clacking noise. 2. (slang, chiefly Australian) The mouth, especially when talking excessively. 3. (informal) A person or thing that clacks, such as castanets or a noisy machine part.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The toy sense is recognized in both varieties but is somewhat archaic. The Australian slang sense is not used in American English. The general 'noise-making device' sense is neutral.
Connotations
In UK English, it primarily connotes a simple mechanical noise. In Australian slang, it has a mildly derogatory connotation when referring to a talkative person.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both varieties. Most common in historical contexts (toys) or specific technical/jargon settings.
Grammar
How to Use “clacker” in a Sentence
[Verb] + the/your/his/her clacker (e.g., shut, open)[Adjective] + clacker (e.g., noisy, annoying)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clacker” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A – 'clacker' is not standardly used as a verb.
American English
- N/A – 'clacker' is not standardly used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A – 'clacker' is not standardly used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A – 'clacker' is not standardly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A – 'clacker' is not standardly used as an adjective.
American English
- N/A – 'clacker' is not standardly used as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in manufacturing to describe a faulty machine component.
Academic
Rare. Might appear in historical or anthropological texts about toys.
Everyday
Very rare. Understood mainly in Australia/NZ as slang for 'mouth'.
Technical
Possible in mechanical engineering for a part that makes a repeated striking sound.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clacker”
- Using 'clacker' in formal writing.
- Assuming it is a common word in American English.
- Spelling as 'claker'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word. It is mostly encountered in specific contexts like historical toys, Australian slang, or technical descriptions of sounds.
No, the standard verb is 'clack'. 'Clacker' is a noun referring to the thing that clacks or makes the clacking sound.
In contemporary usage, it is most recognisable as Australian and New Zealand slang for the mouth, especially in the imperative phrase 'shut your clacker'.
The vintage hardball clacker toys were sometimes banned in the 1970s as they could shatter upon impact, sending fragments flying. Modern versions are typically made of safer materials.
A device or object that makes a sharp, repetitive clacking sound when operated.
Clacker is usually informal, technical (specific contexts), slang (regional) in register.
Clacker: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklæk.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklæk.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Shut your clacker! (Aus/NZ slang: Be quiet!)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CLOCK that goes CLACK-CLACK-CLACK instead of tick-tock. A CLACKer is a thing that goes CLACK.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MOUTH IS A NOISE-MAKING DEVICE (source of Australian slang).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'clacker' commonly used as slang for 'mouth'?