claptrap

[ klap-trap ]

noun

1. pretentious but insincere or empty language:

   His speeches seem erudite but analysis reveals them to be mere claptrap.

   Synonyms: bunk, nonsense, hokum, humbug, sham

2. any artifice or expedient for winning applause or impressing the public.

claptrap

/ ˈklæpˌtræp /

noun

1. contrived but foolish talk
2. insincere and pretentious talk

   politicians' claptrap

Word History and Origins

Origin of claptrap¹

First recorded in 1720–30; clap ¹ + trap ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of claptrap¹

C18 (in the sense: something contrived to elicit applause): from clap ¹+ trap ¹

Example Sentences

For all the claptrap over the decades about booting people out, this country’s leaders quickly realize their error and bust out the proverbial welcome mat just as quickly.

From Los Angeles Times

Baier pleased Trump and his base while fumbling the opportunity to venture beyond culture war claptrap to press Harris on issues with a real and direct bearing on the average American’s life.

From Salon

In writer-director Eli Roth’s atrociously uninspired sci-fi fantasy escapade “Borderlands,” Claptrap, an acerbic droid voiced by Jack Black, calls to mind the humor of “Mystery Science Theater 3000,” the parody TV show in which a group of sentient robots comment on unintentionally risible B-movies.

From Los Angeles Times

Is there a remedy for claptrap like the BMJ article?

From Los Angeles Times

They may not tell us anything useful about scientific research or electoral results, but they do offer a window into how propaganda and claptrap have penetrated deeply into our political discourse, at least within the right-wing fever swamp.

From Los Angeles Times