Man claiming European is inferior (5)
I believe the answer is:
cheap
'inferior' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'man claiming european is' is the wordplay.
'man' becomes 'chap' (term for a man).
'claiming' indicates putting letters inside.
'european is' becomes 'e' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'chap' enclosing 'e' is 'CHEAP'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for cheap that I've seen before include "Second-rate" , "bargain" , "Shoddy" , "Low in price or tastelessly showy" , "Inexpensive or tasteless" .)