Claqueur meaning

A claqueur is a person hired to applaud or heckle at a performance or event.


Claqueur definitions

Word backwards rueuqalc
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division claque-ur
Plural The plural of the word "claqueur" is "claquers".
Total letters 8
Vogais (3) a,u,e
Consonants (4) c,l,q,r

Understanding the Role of a Claqueur

Claqueurs were individuals hired to attend performances, such as plays or operas, to influence the audience's reaction. In the 19th century, these paid "applauders" were a common occurrence in theaters across Europe. Their main objective was to ensure that the performance received the desired response from the audience, whether it be laughter, tears, or applause.

How Claqueurs Operated

Claqueurs were organized into different groups based on their specific roles. There were those who would lead the applause, others who would laugh uproariously at comedic moments, and even some who would strategically time their tears to evoke emotion from the crowd. These individuals were experts at manipulating the audience's reactions to create the desired atmosphere.

The Influence of Claqueurs

While the practice of hiring claqueurs may seem manipulative, it was a common and accepted part of theatrical culture during the 19th century. Playwrights, actors, and theater owners often utilized these individuals to ensure the success of their performances. By controlling the audience's response, they could create a buzz around a production and increase ticket sales.

The Decline of the Claqueur

As the 19th century came to a close, the role of the claqueur began to decline. Audiences became more discerning, and the practice of paying individuals to influence reactions fell out of favor. Today, the idea of hiring people to applaud or laugh during a performance seems outdated and inauthentic.

In conclusion, claqueurs played a significant role in shaping the audience's experience of theatrical performances in the 19th century. While their tactics may seem deceptive by modern standards, they were an integral part of the entertainment industry during that time, helping to create memorable and impactful performances.


Claqueur Examples

  1. The director hired a claqueur to applaud loudly at the premiere of the play.
  2. The singer paid a claqueur to cheer for them during their performance.
  3. The politician's speech received mixed reactions, so they planted a claqueur in the audience.
  4. The claqueur's job was to generate enthusiasm among the crowd at the sporting event.
  5. The author hired a claqueur to create a buzz at the book reading.
  6. The claqueur's fake laughter was meant to encourage others to join in during the comedy show.
  7. The claqueur discreetly handed out cue cards to prompt the audience to respond positively.
  8. The claqueur's presence was obvious as they were the only one clapping after each song.
  9. The claqueur strategically placed themselves near influential audience members to amplify their impact.
  10. The claqueur's exaggerated reactions seemed out of place compared to the rest of the audience.


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  • Updated 20/05/2024 - 12:18:09