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Claptrap: meaning, definitions and examples

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claptrap

 

[ หˆklรฆp. trรฆp ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

foolish talk

Claptrap refers to pretentious or nonsensical talk or ideas, typically intended to impress or deceive others. It is often used to describe speeches or comments that are insincere or lack substance.

Synonyms

balderdash, drivel, gibberish, nonsense

Examples of usage

  • The politician's speech was filled with claptrap that didn't address any real issues.
  • Don't fall for his claptrap; it's just a marketing gimmick.
  • She dismissed the article as claptrap, finding it devoid of any factual basis.
Context #2 | Noun

pretentious absurdity

In a broader sense, claptrap can also refer to actions, behaviors, or comments that are overly showy or contrived in an attempt to gain attention or admiration.

Synonyms

flummery, humbug, showmanship

Examples of usage

  • The theatrical performance devolved into claptrap rather than a meaningful narrative.
  • His constant bragging felt like claptrap to everyone around.
  • The decorations for the event were all claptrap, lacking any real creativity.

Translations

Translations of the word "claptrap" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น claptrap

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเค•เคตเคพเคธ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Schwachsinn

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ omong kosong

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฝั–ัะตะฝั–ั‚ะฝะธั†ั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ bzdura

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒŠใƒณใ‚ปใƒณใ‚น

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท absurditรฉ

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ tonterรญa

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท saรงmalฤฑk

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ—›์†Œ๋ฆฌ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู‡ุฑุงุก

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nesmysl

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ nezmysel

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅบŸ่ฏ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ neumnost

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ bullshit

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะพั ัำฉะทะดะตั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒ–แƒแƒ แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜แƒก

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ boลŸ sรถz

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ pendejada

Etymology

The term 'claptrap' originates from the early 19th century in England, initially referring to a theatrical device used to attract applause from audiences. It is derived from the combination of 'clap', meaning to applaud, and 'trap', which refers to a trick or device. Over time, the meaning evolved to describe any kind of insincere or nonsensical speech designed to garner attention. The word reflects a broader cultural critique, often used to denote rubbish in political discourse or exaggerated claims. As language and societal norms have changed, so too has the usage of 'claptrap', cementing its place in modern vernacular as a term for empty rhetoric.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,201, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.