Empty words designed to capture applause? (8)
I believe the answer is:
claptrap
'empty words' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'designed to capture applause?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'capture' could be 'trap' (trapping is a kind of capturing) and 'trap' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'clap' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for claptrap that I've seen before include "Meaningless nonsense" , "High-sounding nonsense" , "Utter rubbish" , "Absurd or nonsensical talk or ideas" , "Bunk" .)