Etymologically
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claptrap

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Pronunciation

  • IPA: /ˈklæpˌtɹæp/[1]

Etymology

It is from English clap (“to applaud”) + trap (“trap”),[2][3][4] originally the name of a theatrical trick to win applause.[2][5][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

A trick or device to catch applause; an expression designed to draw applause (1727–31).[6][3] Etymonline quotes Bailey's 1730 dictionary, which explains it as a trap to catch a clap from the audience.[3]

Semantic evolution

From a stage trick, the word passed in 1819 to language designed to catch applause, cheap showy sentiment,[6][3] and from there to nonsense or rubbish in general.[6][3][5] Merriam-Webster dates the noun to 1799 and the adjectival use to 1815.[5][6]

Timeline

  • 1727–31 – a trick to catch applause.[6][3]
  • 1815 – attributive and adjectival use.[6][5]
  • 1819 – cheap showy language; nonsense.[6][3]
  • 1847 – a device for making a clapping noise.[6]

Modern meaning

Noun

  1. Pretentious, insincere or empty language; nonsense.
  2. Any trick or device for winning applause or impressing the public.
  • clap
  • trap

References

  1. ^ Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (1992), 3rd ed., Boston: Houghton Mifflin
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  4. ^ Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (1999), 2nd ed., New York: Random House
  5. ^ a b c d Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (2003), 11th ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h Simpson, J. A.; Weiner, E. S. C., eds. (1989), The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press