clapback

[klap-bak]

noun

1. a sharp response to criticism or an insult; a quick comeback.

   She had the perfect clapback to the crude comment about her looks.

   The dictionary is known on social media for its clapbacks and shade, showing how wit can gain consumer attention online.

verb phrase

1. to respond sharply to criticism or an insult.

   He’s faced a lot of negative comments online, and in some cases he’s clapped back at the trolls.

   She’s never been afraid to clap back at a hater.

Word History and Origins

Origin of clapback¹

First recorded in 2000–05; clap ¹ ( def. ) + back ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

There was Beyoncé, whose warning “I don’t think you’re ready for this jelly” on the Destiny’s Child hit “Bootylicious” was both a clapback to body criticism and an affirmation of the big butt as an engine of empowerment.

Read more on Salon

Just as revealing are snippets from numerous talk shows, the footage sometimes decelerated to spotlight her physical discomfort at being challenged, which amounts to a stylistic clapback of sorts to her legendary use of slo-mo to glorify bodily strength.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Can you talk about what prompted this particular clapback?

Read more on Slate

The rapper has since deleted the offensive tweets — but not quickly enough to save himself from a Wayans clapback.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Sliding this new series into the paroxysmal dialogue over immigration and diversity would seem easy enough, except for the fact that Vijal Patel didn’t create the show as a clapback to current events.

Read more on Salon