What does the "Slow Clap" mean and what's it for?

Question

Where one person starts clapping real slow then everyone else joins in slowly.

Answer 1

well quite a stickler on wiki........

Slow handclap
Generally, an audience will clap rhythmically in unison, about two claps per second, to indicate approval. When this rate is slowed down considerably and becomes synchronised throughout the audience participants, in many cultures this is considered an expression of mocking dislike or disapproval of the performer, and is termed a slow handclap. The person being slowly clapped at may interpret the clap as an insult and a sign to leave the stage. During musical events, however, it is common for an audience to clap in the rhythm of the song, to cheer the artists present on stage.

A notable occurrence of a slow handclap took place during a speech made by British Prime Minister Tony Blair on 7 June 2000, when he was heckled and slow-handclapped by members of the Women's Institute. [1] (video)

Interestingly enough, in other cultures like the Hispanic (in Spain and Latin-America alike), a synchronized slow handclap at the end of a music performance signals the wish of the public for an encore, being unknown its use as a form of disapproval.



"The first appearance of the "slow clap" in popular culture appeared in the Classic 1993 movie Cool Runnings starring John Candy.[citation needed]

The above is absolutely false. There were "slow claps" in countless movies prior to Cool Runnings (i.e. Lucas, Can't Buy Me Love, Officer & a Gentleman, Revenge of the Nerds...with the first recognized "slow clap" being in Citizen Kane in 1941 - predating Cool Runnings by 52 years."

Watch RUDI !!

Answer 2

I've witnessed this at times when a whole audience is initially reluctant to clap because they were bored with the speaker or what he was saying went right over their heads. But sometimes, it's to show a solidarity with a unsung hero. Let's say, the shortest and smallest football player on the team, who has been teased all season long, makes the final touch-down to win the big game. One or two lone people will start to slowly clap and the rest of the group or audience will follow. The slow clap is almost always an unexpected applause at a moment where you are expecting the villains to berate the hero, but instead they show their appreciation for the hero's efforts by clapping, and they always begin slowly for emphasis. It doesn't always have to be the villain that starts the slow clap, however, it's usually someone that you would not expect to do it.

Answer 3

Citizen Kane Clapping

Answer 4

Well I saw it in a movie but I can't remember which one. Searched slow clap at top of page on Web Search and sure enough, meaning is there. Turns out to be pretty old. They've even done spoofs of it in movies.

Answer 5

A gradual building of applause, usually starting with one person clapping slowly, and ending with an enthusiastic standing ovation. Generally shows approval for an underdog in a come from behind victory or after losing with pride intact.

Answer 6

People, very often, are "aslep" during a performance, and the action really calls for clapping, but none is aware of it, except 4 this fellow, who starts gradually clapping his hands, as a signal for the dormants to wake up!-

Ciao........John-John.

Answer 7

For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/avZwD

In my eyes there is no Such thing. To "master" anything is to put A limit in your mind That there is no Need for improvement. To have "mastered" something is to have perfected it and perfection doesnt Exist. There is always A need for improvement and if you believe this Whole heartedly then your potential, involving anything, is limitless.

Answer 8

MIchael JP Murray is correct.

Answer 9

Shows support for the performer.....

Answer 10

it means that the subject matter is boring