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

We’ve already seen that the embrace of pernicious anti-vaccination claptrap by unscrupulous politicians and government officials has had detectable impacts on public health.

From Los Angeles Times

In that, he echoed other conservative lawyers who know the difference between legal evidence and political claptrap, including Jonathan Turley, Republicans’ and Fox News’ go-to constitutional authority.

From Los Angeles Times

For many, that may sound like political claptrap.

From Los Angeles Times