afterclap
|af-ter-clap|
C2
🇺🇸
/ˈæftərˌklæp/
🇬🇧
/ˈɑːftəˌklæp/
unexpected aftermath
Etymology
Etymology Information
'afterclap' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'afterclappe,' where 'after-' meant 'following' and 'clappe' meant 'a sudden blow or stroke.'
Historical Evolution
'afterclappe' transformed into the modern English word 'afterclap' through gradual phonetic changes.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a sudden blow following another,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'an unexpected event following an apparent conclusion.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an unexpected, often unpleasant, event that occurs after an apparent conclusion.
The afterclap of the meeting was a sudden decision to cut the budget.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/05/25 22:36