/oss/taxonomy/term/5707/all en /oss/article/pseudoscience/claptrap <p>Back in the 18<sup>th</sup> century, a theatrical line that was delivered to shamelessly elicit or “trap” applause from the audience was referred to as “claptrap.”  The line usually didn’t have much meaning and claptrap became synonymous with nonsense.  Unfortunately, because of necessity, it has become a very popular word in my vocabulary. Rapper Nicki Minaj tweets about a cousin’s friend’s testicles swelling after a COVID vaccine. What can I say? Claptrap!</p> Fri, 24 Sep 2021 20:47:12 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 8865 at /oss