claptrap
[ klap-trap ]
/ ˈklæpˌtræp /
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noun
pretentious but insincere or empty language: His speeches seem erudite but analysis reveals them to be mere claptrap.
any artifice or expedient for winning applause or impressing the public.
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Set some time apart to test your bracket symbol knowledge, and see if you can keep your parentheses, squares, curlies, and angles all straight!
Question 1 of 7
Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT Words nearby claptrap
clappy-doo, clap skate, clapt, Clapton, Clapton's line, claptrap, claque, claqueur, clar., Clara, clarabella
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for claptrap
British Dictionary definitions for claptrap
claptrap
/ (ˈklæpˌtræp) /
noun informal
contrived but foolish talk
insincere and pretentious talkpoliticians' claptrap
Word Origin for claptrap
C18 (in the sense: something contrived to elicit applause): from clap 1 + trap 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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