claptrap: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal, slightly literary/archaic
Quick answer
What does “claptrap” mean?
Absurd, pretentious, or insincere talk intended to impress or gain approval.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Absurd, pretentious, or insincere talk intended to impress or gain approval.
Language or ideas designed to win applause through cheap or superficial emotional appeal, without substance or genuine merit.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term identically in meaning. Slightly more common in British English, but understood in both.
Connotations
Strongly pejorative, suggesting contempt for the speaker's lack of sincerity or substance.
Frequency
Low frequency in both; considered a somewhat dated or colourful word, often used for deliberate stylistic effect.
Grammar
How to Use “claptrap” in a Sentence
dismiss X as claptrapbe tired of X's claptrapX is nothing but claptrapVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “claptrap” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He claptrapped on for hours about his dubious investment scheme.
- Stop claptrapping and get to the point.
American English
- The politician claptrapped his way through the debate with empty slogans.
adverb
British English
- He spoke claptrappily, hoping to win over the crowd.
American English
- The ad was claptrappily written, full of false promises.
adjective
British English
- It was a claptrap argument from start to finish.
- We've had enough of your claptrap ideas.
American English
- His entire presentation was just claptrap nonsense designed to sell the product.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to dismiss marketing hype or empty corporate mission statements.
Academic
Used critically to describe overly simplistic or ideologically driven theories.
Everyday
Used to express strong disagreement with someone's opinion, calling it foolish or insincere.
Technical
Rarely used in technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “claptrap”
- Using it to mean simply 'noise' or 'applause'. It is always about the *content* of speech/writing, not the sound.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal and often has a slightly old-fashioned or literary feel, though it is still understood.
Yes, it can refer to any form of communication (speech, writing, advertising) that is pretentious and insincere.
It originates from 18th-century theater slang: a 'trap' to catch a 'clap' (applause), meaning a cheap trick or line used solely to win audience approval.
Primarily uncountable (e.g., 'a lot of claptrap'). It can be used countably in a more informal or humorous way (e.g., 'the usual claptraps').
Absurd, pretentious, or insincere talk intended to impress or gain approval.
Claptrap: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklæptræp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklæptræp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific; the word itself is idiomatic.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a TRAP (device) designed to catch CLAPs (applause) using cheap tricks instead of real talent.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMPTY SPEECH IS A WORTHLESS OBJECT / DECEPTION IS A TRAP.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST example of 'claptrap'?