claptrap Definition
- 1absurd or nonsensical talk or ideas
- 2insincere or pretentious talk, especially intended to persuade people to buy something
Using claptrap: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "claptrap" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The politician's speech was full of claptrap and empty promises.
Example
I don't believe a word of his claptrap about being a millionaire.
Example
The advertisement was filled with claptrap to lure customers into buying the product.
claptrap Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for claptrap
Phrases with claptrap
Example
I'm tired of all the political claptrap that politicians spew during election season.
sales claptrap
insincere or exaggerated sales talk used to persuade people to buy something
Example
The salesman's pitch was full of sales claptrap and I didn't believe a word of it.
ideas or theories that are absurd or nonsensical
Example
I can't stand all the intellectual claptrap that some academics spout.
Origins of claptrap
originally referred to a contraption for producing applause in theaters, from 'clap' + 'trap'
Summary: claptrap in Brief
'Claptrap' [ˈklæp.træp] refers to absurd or nonsensical talk or ideas, or insincere or pretentious talk intended to persuade people to buy something. It is often used to describe political speeches or sales pitches that lack substance or credibility. Examples include 'The politician's speech was full of claptrap and empty promises,' and 'The advertisement was filled with claptrap to lure customers into buying the product.'
