Claque: meaning, definitions and examples

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claque

 

[ klรฆk ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

performances crowd

A claque refers to a group of people hired to attend a performance or event to applaud or shout in approval, often to influence the opinions of other attendees. This practice dates back to the 19th century, when such groups were employed in theaters to create an atmosphere of excitement. The claqueโ€™s role can significantly impact the reception of performances, particularly in theatrical productions, by swaying the audienceโ€™s opinions. These hired applauders are often skilled in creating a convincing display of enthusiasm, making it challenging to distinguish genuine audience reactions from orchestrated ones.

Synonyms

applause, cheering squad, supporters

Examples of usage

  • The claque cheered loudly, encouraging the actors on stage.
  • To boost ticket sales, the producer hired a claque for the opening night.
  • The noisy claque caused some audience members to feel perplexed about the true quality of the performance.
  • She noticed the claque's influence when the audience erupted in applause after a mediocre act.

Translations

Translations of the word "claque" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น claque

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅเคฒเฅˆเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Klack

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ claque

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะปะฐะบ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ klak

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ฏใƒฉใƒƒใ‚ฏ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท claque

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ claque

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท claque

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํด๋ฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูƒู„ุงูƒ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ claque

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ claque

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆŽŒๅฃฐๅ›ข

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ claque

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ claque

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบะปะฐา›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒšแƒแƒ™แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ claque

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ claque

Etymology

The word 'claque' originates from the French language, specifically from the term 'claquer', which means 'to clap' or 'to applaud'. This term was first documented in the 18th century, particularly in the context of theater where audiences would often be encouraged to applaud. The practice of hiring applauders became more popular in the following century, especially in the vibrant arts scene of Paris. French theater producers and managers used claques to ensure a lively atmosphere during performances, which in turn could attract more viewers. The idea of using hired audience members to create buzz has persisted throughout history and can still be seen in various forms of entertainment today.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,572, 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.