Aave Coined 2016
clapback
What does clapback mean?
A sharp, effective retort to an insult or criticism — a comeback delivered with force.
"Her clapback to the troll got more likes than his original comment."
Origin
Rooted in AAVE and hip-hop battle culture, mainstreamed through celebrity social-media exchanges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "clapback" mean?
A sharp, effective retort to an insult or criticism — a comeback delivered with force.
How do you use "clapback" in a sentence?
For example: "Her clapback to the troll got more likes than his original comment."
Where does "clapback" come from?
Rooted in AAVE and hip-hop battle culture, mainstreamed through celebrity social-media exchanges. It's generally dated to around 2016.
Is "clapback" AAVE (African-American Vernacular English)?
Yes — "clapback" is classed as AAVE (African-American Vernacular English) on FreeDict. A sharp, effective retort to an insult or criticism — a comeback delivered with force.
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.