clapometer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “clapometer” mean?
A device, often hypothetical or metaphorical, used to measure the level or intensity of applause from an audience, particularly in a live performance or competition context.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device, often hypothetical or metaphorical, used to measure the level or intensity of applause from an audience, particularly in a live performance or competition context.
Any informal gauge or indicator of public approval, popularity, or enthusiasm, often used figuratively to describe reactive feedback in meetings, presentations, or public discourse.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is more established in British English due to its origins in UK television shows like 'Opportunity Knocks'. In American English, it is less common and may require explanation.
Connotations
In British English, it can evoke nostalgia for older light entertainment TV. In both varieties, its figurative use implies a somewhat crude or theatrical measure of approval.
Frequency
Significantly more frequent in UK media and historical contexts. Rare in contemporary American English, where 'applause meter' is a more common literal term.
Grammar
How to Use “clapometer” in a Sentence
The [PERFORMER] set the clapometer alight.We could use a clapometer to gauge the reaction.The [MEETING/PRESENTATION] had its own internal clapometer.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clapometer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The studio decided to clapometer the audience's reaction for the show's research.
American English
- They informally clapometered the crowd's enthusiasm after each speaker.
adverb
British English
- The joke landed clapometerly well with the Edinburgh crowd.
American English
- He performed clapometerly poorly, according to the show's old gauge.
adjective
British English
- It was a proper clapometer moment when the winner was announced.
American English
- The debate lacked any clapometer-worthy statements.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Used humorously in presentations: 'If we had a clapometer, that proposal would have scored highly.'
Academic
Extremely rare. Might appear in media or cultural studies discussing audience measurement.
Everyday
Low. Understood mainly by older generations or media enthusiasts. Figurative use possible: 'My joke didn't even register on the family clapometer.'
Technical
Not applicable in technical fields. Purely a cultural/entertainment term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “clapometer”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “clapometer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clapometer”
- Spelling: 'clapmeter' (missing 'o'), 'clappometer' (double 'p').
- Using it in formal contexts where 'audience response metric' would be appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Originally, it was a prop or simple sound meter used in TV studios. Today, it is more commonly a metaphorical concept than a physical device.
Yes, informally. It means to measure or gauge applause or approval, e.g., 'We clapometered the audience's response.'
'Clapometer' is a branded, informal blend word with nostalgic/humorous connotations, primarily British. 'Applause meter' is a more straightforward, descriptive term used internationally.
It is a low-frequency, culturally specific word. Learners should recognise it for comprehension, especially in media contexts, but need not prioritise it for active use unless discussing media history or using it figuratively for effect.
A device, often hypothetical or metaphorical, used to measure the level or intensity of applause from an audience, particularly in a live performance or competition context.
Clapometer is usually informal, journalistic in register.
Clapometer: in British English it is pronounced /klæˈpɒm.ɪ.tər/, and in American English it is pronounced /klæˈpɑː.mə.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “set the clapometer alight”
- “send the clapometer off the scale”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CLAPping + the meter in a TAXI that measures your fare. The clapometer measures the 'fare' (level) of applause.
Conceptual Metaphor
PUBLIC OPINION IS A MEASURABLE PHYSICAL FORCE (quantified by a meter).
Practice
Quiz
In which context did the term 'clapometer' originally become popular?