claptrap English · revision 2364

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ˈklæpˌtɹæp/^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[af|en|clap|trap|t1=to applaud|t2=trap]],^(AHD)^(Etymonline)^(RHWU) originally the name of a theatrical trick to win applause.^(AHD)^(MW Collegiate)^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ A trick or device to catch applause; an expression designed to draw applause (1727–31).^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline) Etymonline quotes Bailey's 1730 dictionary, which explains it as a trap to catch a clap from the audience.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ From a stage trick, the word passed in 1819 to language designed to catch applause, cheap showy sentiment,^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline) and from there to nonsense or rubbish in general.^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline)^(MW Collegiate) Merriam-Webster dates the noun to 1799 and the adjectival use to 1815.^(MW Collegiate)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1727–31 – a trick to catch applause.^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline)

+ * 1815 – attributive and adjectival use.^(OED 1989)^(MW Collegiate)

+ * 1819 – cheap showy language; nonsense.^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline)

+ * 1847 – a device for making a clapping noise.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # Pretentious, insincere or empty language; nonsense.^(AHD)^(MW Collegiate)^(RHWU)^(Wiktionary)

+ # Any trick or device for winning applause or impressing the public.^(RHWU)^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[clap]]

+ * [[trap]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}