claptrap

UK: /ˈklæptræp/ US: /ˈklæpˌtræp/ ,(klap′trap′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

clap•trap /ˈklæpˌtræp/   n. [uncountable]

1. nonsense;
   insincere or empty language;
   foolish, unbelievable talk.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

clap•trap  (klap′trap′), n. 

1. pretentious but insincere or empty language:
   His speeches seem erudite but analysis reveals them to be mere claptrap.
2. any artifice or expedient for winning applause or impressing the public.

• clap¹ + trap¹ 1720–30

Synonyms

• 1. . sham, humbug, hokum, nonsense, bunk.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

claptrap / ˈklæpˌtræp/ noun

1. contrived but foolish talk
2. insincere and pretentious talk: politicians' claptrap

Etymology: 18th Century (in the sense: something contrived to elicit applause): from clap¹ + trap¹