clapback

American  

[klap-bak] / ˈklæpˌbæk /

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.

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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.

Etymology

Origin of clapback

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

Example Sentences

George Clooney called out Weiss for “dismantling CBS News as we speak,” eliciting only a weak clapback from the EIC in response as she invited the actor to visit the studio.

From Slate • Jan. 14, 2026

On the 15th anniversary of Kanye West’s VMAs interruption, will Taylor Swift stage the ultimate clapback by dropping the long-awaited ‘Taylor’s Version’ of her West revenge album, ‘Reputation’?

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 12, 2024

The lighthearted clapback belied a season of distressing and loaded insults, ranging from veiled commentary to a Geno Auriemma eruption in February.

From Washington Post • Mar. 31, 2023

And though she has an elegant way with a clapback, she wishes that her perfectly ordinary body wasn’t so unusual for prestige television.

From New York Times • Mar. 14, 2023

He was a mid-distance runner like me, but had more mouth than he had moves, so he already knew the power of my clapback.

From "Patina" by Jason Reynolds