clapping back
Returning verbal fire
Clapping back is responding to criticism or insult with a sharp, pointed retort.
The phrase suggests hitting back with equal or greater force—not ignoring an attack but meeting it head-on: She clapped back at the haters on social media.
The noun clapback names such a response: Her clapback went viral.
- retortQuick, cutting reply
- criticismJudgment of faults
- assertivenessConfident self-expression quality
- comebackRecovery after decline
- social mediaOnline content-sharing platforms
rejoinder · rebuttal · tweetstorm · wit · repartee · snark · confrontation · indignation · sarcasm · resilience · shade · provocation · defiance · subtweeting · confidence · own it · no filter · debate
- tauntstaunts, taunt, taunting, neener neener, insults
clapping backsaying nothing
biting one's tongue · keeping quiet · not responding · ignoring · letting it go
clapping backsuffering in silence
clapping backbacking down
Withdrawing from a stance
capitulating · yielding · submitting · walking away · letting it go
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