Definition

Noun: 1. A group of people hired to applaud at a performance: A claque is a group of individuals paid to attend a theatrical, operatic, or other public performance and to express enthusiastic approval, especially through applause, in order to influence the genuine audience's perception and create an illusion of success. 2. A group of sycophantic followers: By extension, "claque" can refer to any group of people who follow and flatter a person, especially a leader or celebrity, in an obsequious and uncritical manner.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Hired applauders):
  • The singer's manager hired a claque to ensure a standing ovation on opening night.
  • Critics accused the production of using a claque to generate artificial buzz.
• Noun (Sycophantic followers):
  • The arrogant politician was always surrounded by a claque of yes-men.
  • She grew tired of the constant praise from her claque and sought more honest opinions.

Advanced Usage

• "To have a claque": To be supported by a group of hired or overly flattering admirers.
  • The controversial author seemed to have a permanent claque at his book signings.
• "Claqueur": A less common singular noun for a member of a claque.
  • He worked as a professional claqueur at the opera house.

Variants and Related Words

• Claqueur (n): A member of a claque.
• Clap (v): To strike the palms of one's hands together repeatedly, typically to applaud. (This is the action a claque is hired to perform.)

Synonyms

• Clappers (informal, specific to hired applauders)
• Claqueurs (formal, specific to hired applauders)
• Claque (as a synonym for itself in the "followers" sense)
• Coterie (a small, exclusive group of people with shared interests, sometimes implying uncritical support)
• Entourage (a group of people attending or surrounding an important person)
• Retinue (a group of advisers, assistants, or others accompanying an important person)
• Syco (short, informal for sycophant)

Antonyms

• Critics
• Detractors
• Opponents
• Skeptics

Word Origin

The word "claque" entered English in the 19th century from French, where it originally meant "a slap" or "clap," derived from the verb claquer, meaning "to clap." The practice of hiring professional applauders was institutionalized in 19th-century Parisian theaters.

Noun

1. a group of followers hired to applaud at a performance