clanger

[ klang-er ]

noun

1. a person or thing that clangs.
2. British Slang. a blunder; faux pas.

clanger

/ ˈklæŋə /

noun

1. informal.
   a conspicuous mistake (esp in the phrase drop a clanger )
2. something that clangs or causes a clang

Word History and Origins

Origin of clanger¹

First recorded in 1945–50; clang + -er ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of clanger¹

C20: from clang , referring to a mistake whose effects seem to clang

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. drop a clanger, British Slang. to blunder.

Example Sentences

“Here’s a clanger,” Sydney said, noticing an obvious mistake.

From Literature

Its flowers are extravagant, with an extra-long, maroon-purple clanger dangling from each fuchsia bell; its distinctive leaves are heart shaped, with toothed edges.

From Seattle Times

Scandal followed him as closely as adulation, as Warne took money from illegal bookmakers, was banned for using prohibited drugs and sailed through gossip-column indiscretions and social media clangers.

From BBC

"Occasionally he came out with a real clanger, but mostly he was just trying to be pleasant and light-hearted," she added in a BBC Radio Devon interview.

From BBC

"Some night he'll move and other nights he'll stand and play, Some nights he might be a bit out of it and drop the odd clanger but he never coasts."

From BBC