Etymology

claptrap

C3L1A1P3T1R1A1P3

Today it means: Empty verbiage or nonsense. Full definition →

First used early 19th c.
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The story

Theater slang, c. 1730, from clap + trap, referring to theatrical techniques or gags used to incite applause.

First known use, by meaning

  • from early 19th c. Empty verbiage or nonsense.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.