noun
- Plural of claptrap; nonsensical or insincere talk; empty rhetoric or pretentious language.
- Plural of claptrap; showy but worthless devices, gadgets, or theatrical props.
Usage: Usually uncountable but can be pluralized to refer to multiple instances or types of such talk.
Usage: Refers to physical objects that are flashy but lack substance or utility.
Examples
- The politician's speech was full of claptraps designed to appeal to voters' emotions.
- Don't believe all those claptraps about miracle weight-loss pills.
- The magician's stage was cluttered with claptraps and illusions.
- She dismissed his excuses as nothing but claptraps.
- The advertisement was packed with marketing claptraps that made unrealistic promises.
- He saw through the claptraps and recognized the scam immediately.