clapped back

Shot back verbally

Clapped back is the past tense of clap back, meaning to respond to criticism or an insult with a sharp, often public retort.

The term emerged from hip-hop culture and spread through social media, where celebrities and public figures clap back at haters: She clapped back at the reporter who called her outfit tacky.

The response typically matches or exceeds the original attack in wit or force.

Related

rejoinder · well actually · banter · rebuttal · counterargument · confrontation · shade · sarcasm · diss · defense · wit · debate · pop culture · reply · indignation · owned · defiance · exchange

Opposites
verbal response to criticism/attack

clapped backsaid nothing

kept quiet · bit one's tongue · took it · let it go · shut up

interpersonal power dynamics

clapped backbacked down

Retreated from a position

submitted · capitulated · caved · yielded · cowered

Family

clap, clapped, clapping, claps, clapper, clappers, back, backs, backed

Familiarity
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