Claptrap

Pronunciation: /klæp.træp/

Definitions of claptrap

noun absurd or nonsensical talk or ideas

Example Sentences

A1 I don't understand all this claptrap about politics.

A2 The speaker's speech was full of meaningless claptrap.

B1 The advertisement was just a lot of claptrap to sell the product.

B2 I can see through the politician's claptrap and know he's not being honest.

C1 The film critic dismissed the movie as nothing but pretentious claptrap.

C2 The author's latest novel was criticized for its reliance on literary claptrap.

Examples of claptrap in a Sentence

formal The speaker dismissed the opponent's argument as mere claptrap.

informal I can't believe people actually fall for that political claptrap.

slang Don't listen to him, he's just spouting claptrap.

figurative Her excuses were nothing but claptrap to cover up her mistake.

Grammatical Forms of claptrap

• past tense: claptrapped
• plural: claptraps
• comparative: more claptrap
• superlative: most claptrap
• present tense: claptraps
• future tense: will claptrap
• perfect tense: have claptrapped
• continuous tense: is claptrapping
• singular: claptrap
• positive degree: claptrap
• infinitive: to claptrap
• gerund: claptrapping
• participle: claptrapped

Origin and Evolution of claptrap

First Known Use: 1697 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The word 'claptrap' originated in the late 17th century in England.

Evolution of the word: Originally, 'claptrap' referred to a trick or device used to attract applause, especially in the theater. Over time, the word evolved to mean pretentious or insincere talk or behavior designed to impress or manipulate others.