clackers: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low (historical/niche)Informal, nostalgic
Quick answer
What does “clackers” mean?
A pair of identical balls attached to strings that, when swung, make a loud clacking noise as they hit each other.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A pair of identical balls attached to strings that, when swung, make a loud clacking noise as they hit each other.
Primarily refers to the 1970s children's toy; also used in historical/obsolete contexts for loud, chattering people or things.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The toy had the same name and brief popularity in both regions.
Connotations
Strong nostalgic connotation for those who remember the 1970s fad. Can connote a sense of dated, simple amusement.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary usage outside of discussions of retro toys or 1970s culture.
Grammar
How to Use “clackers” in a Sentence
play with [clackers]the [clackers] clacked[clackers] were bannedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clackers” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Potentially in cultural studies or design history discussing 1970s fads.
Everyday
Only in nostalgic conversation among older generations.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “clackers”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clackers”
- Using it as a singular noun (a clacker).
- Using it to refer to modern, unrelated toys.
- Spelling as 'clakers'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are occasionally sold as novelty or retro items, but are not a mainstream toy.
The hard plastic balls could shatter upon high-speed impact, sending shrapnel flying, or could cause injury to hands and wrists.
Almost never. The toy inherently consists of a pair, so the plural form is standard.
There's no specific verb. One 'plays with' or 'swings' clackers to make them 'clack' together.
A pair of identical balls attached to strings that, when swung, make a loud clacking noise as they hit each other.
Clackers is usually informal, nostalgic in register.
Clackers: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklæk.əz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklæk.ɚz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the CLACK-ing sound the balls make, ending with the common plural '-ERS' for toys (like slink-ers). CLACK-ERS.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (highly specific referent)
Practice
Quiz
What are 'clackers' primarily known as?