clap back
/klæp bæk/
Meaning
To 'clap back' means to respond quickly and sharply to criticism, insults, or a personal attack. It is highly conversational and common on social media, often describing a clever or sassy comeback. The tone can be defensive, humorous, or empowering depending on the context.
Examples
-
She decided to clap back at the internet trolls with a hilarious video.
She decided to clap back at the internet trolls with a hilarious video.
-
When he insulted her work, she clapped back with her sales figures.
When he insulted her work, she clapped back with her sales figures.
-
I love how that celebrity always claps back at rude comments.
I love how that celebrity always claps back at rude comments.
-
He didn't expect her to clap back so quickly during the debate.
He didn't expect her to clap back so quickly during the debate.
-
Don't start an argument with her unless you're ready for her to clap back.
Don't start an argument with her unless you're ready for her to clap back.
Common Mistakes
-
✗ She clapped him back with a witty reply.
✓ She clapped back at him with a witty reply.
'Clap back' is an intransitive phrasal verb when used with 'at' to target someone, or can be used on its own. You don't 'clap someone back'.
-
✗ He gave a very strong clapback response.
✓ He gave a very strong clapback.
'Clapback' (one word) is already a noun meaning the response itself, so adding 'response' is redundant.
Related Expressions
Practice
-
She is famous for her ability to ___ at online critics.
💡 To respond sharply or with a clever comeback.
Show answer
clap back
-
She didn't hesitate to ___ when they insulted her style.
💡 To return a sharp response when criticized.
Show answer
clap back