Transcription
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
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- [klap-trap]
- /ˈklæpˌtræp/
- /ˈklæp.træp/
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [klap-trap]
- /ˈklæpˌtræp/
Definitions of claptrap word
- uncountable noun claptrap If you describe something that someone says as claptrap, you mean that it is stupid or foolish although it may sound important. 3
- noun claptrap contrived but foolish talk 3
- noun claptrap insincere and pretentious talk 3
- noun claptrap showy, insincere, empty talk or writing, intended only to get applause or notice 3
- noun claptrap pretentious but insincere or empty language: His speeches seem erudite but analysis reveals them to be mere claptrap. 1
- noun claptrap any artifice or expedient for winning applause or impressing the public. 1
Information block about the term
Origin of claptrap
First appearance:
before 1720 One of the 49% newest English words
First recorded in 1720-30; clap1 + trap1
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for Claptrap
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
claptrap popularity
A pretty common term. Usually people know it’s meaning, but prefer to use a more spread out synonym. About 68% of English native speakers know the meaning and use word.
This word is included in each student's vocabulary. Most likely there is at least one movie with this word in the title.
claptrap usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for claptrap
noun claptrap
- bunk — A bunk is a bed that is fixed to a wall, especially in a ship or caravan.
- bombast — Bombast is trying to impress people by saying things that sound impressive but have little meaning.
- drivel — saliva flowing from the mouth, or mucus from the nose; slaver.
- nonsense — words or language having little or no sense or meaning.
- humbug — something intended to delude or deceive.
Antonyms for claptrap
noun claptrap
- sense — any of the faculties, as sight, hearing, smell, taste, or touch, by which humans and animals perceive stimuli originating from outside or inside the body: My sense of smell tells me that dinner is ready.
Top questions with claptrap
- how to high five claptrap?
- how to give claptrap a high five?
- who voices claptrap?
- what is a claptrap?
- what is claptrap?
- how to sound like claptrap?
- what does claptrap mean?
See also
Matching words
- Words starting with c
- Words starting with cl
- Words starting with cla
- Words starting with clap
- Words starting with clapt
- Words starting with claptr
- Words starting with claptra
- Words starting with claptrap