A group of people hired to clap and cheer for a performer to make the audience think the performance is better than it actually is.
From French 'claque' (clapping), derived from 'claquer' (to clap), likely from Latin 'crepare' (to crack or burst), used since the 19th century in theater.
The French invented organized applause as an art form—there were even managers of claques in Paris who sold fake enthusiasm, turning artificial hype into a professional business!
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