The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word CLAPTRAP
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
C
L
A
P
T
R
A
P
More clues leading to the result CLAPTRAP
- Make show of appreciation and mouth “rubbish!”
- Some friend about to roll over in bunk
- Applaud catch that's rubbish?
- Hot air from hand on mouth
- Nonsense having to applaud deception
- Applaud tango music that’s rubbish
- Applaud role reversal? Such tosh!
- Nonsense about character friend put up
- Offer applause, then mouth “rubbish!”
- Complete rubbish? Put hand over mouth!
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Nonsense" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case nonsense = claptrap.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does CLAPTRAP mean?
CLAPTRAP noun- Empty verbiage or nonsense.
- A device for producing a clapping sound in theaters.
- A device or trick to gain applause; a humbug.