claqueur: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very RareFormal, Literary, Historical
Quick answer
What does “claqueur” mean?
A person hired to applaud in a theatre or similar venue.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person hired to applaud in a theatre or similar venue.
A paid, pre-arranged enthusiast who gives insincere praise or approval to a performer, speaker, or their work.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is equally rare and literary in both varieties. No significant usage difference.
Connotations
Carries connotations of deception, artificiality, and a bygone theatrical era.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. More likely encountered in historical texts or sophisticated literary/critical writing.
Grammar
How to Use “claqueur” in a Sentence
[claqueur] for [performer/organisation]a [adjective] claqueurVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “claqueur” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- 'To claque' is an obsolete verb derived from the noun.
American English
- 'To claque' is an obsolete verb derived from the noun.
adverb
British English
- None standard.
American English
- None standard.
adjective
British English
- 'Claqueur-like' (hypothetical, very rare).
American English
- 'Claqueur-like' (hypothetical, very rare).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical: 'The CEO is surrounded by claqueurs who never challenge his ideas.'
Academic
Used in historical, literary, or cultural studies discussing theatre or propaganda.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Specific term in theatre history.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “claqueur”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “claqueur”
- Mispronouncing as /'klækwə/ or /'klækə/.
- Using it to mean a general fan or critic.
- Spelling as 'clacker'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare, literary word most often encountered in historical or theatrical contexts.
Yes, but only metaphorically and in a formal or critical tone, e.g., to describe insincere supporters in politics or business.
A fan's admiration is genuine and voluntary. A claqueur's applause is paid for and therefore insincere by definition.
The verb 'to claque' exists but is obsolete and even rarer than the noun.
A person hired to applaud in a theatre or similar venue.
Claqueur is usually formal, literary, historical in register.
Claqueur: in British English it is pronounced /klæˈkɜː(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /klæˈkɝː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly. Related: 'to claque' (verb, rare), 'part of the claque'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CLAP' + 'CUR' (a low person). A 'clap-cur' is a low person who claps for money.
Conceptual Metaphor
PUBLIC APPROVAL IS A COMMODITY / SINCERITY IS GENUINE, INSINCERITY IS ARTIFICIAL.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary role of a claqueur?