A reference to a zen koan, worn threadbare and meaningless by endless repetition in the media. It has no 'answer' unless, as in definition (1) above, the answerer redefines the term 'clapping', thus entirely missing the point.
Teacher: "What is the sound of one hand clapping?"
Student: "Um, the snapping of fingers?"
Teacher: (whacks student with computer keyboard)
Student: "Um, the snapping of fingers?"
Teacher: (whacks student with computer keyboard)
by RunningBulldog October 11, 2012
The sound of one hand clapping is supposed to be a question with no answer. It is a clasic Zen koan given to students to aid in enlightenment by leading the mind into a cul-de-sac with no way out but enlightenment. How enlightened could the person who came up with this koan be, considering it has such an obvious and simple answer?
by fred ressler August 16, 2007
Fundamental lore of Zen Buddhism; know as the Kōan traditional. In the west formally termed onanism or colloquially: ‘throttling the purple headed yogurt slinger’. This is the sound of skin slamming skin as “mediation” reaches the point of enlightenment.
“Ekaku what are you doing in the bathroom”
“Nothing”
“If you’re doing nothing, why can half the building hear the sound of one hand clapping? I swear if you’ve ruined another one of my Grattan catalogues with your man milk I promise you this is the last time Madame palmer's five daughters are coming 'round to play.”
“Nothing”
“If you’re doing nothing, why can half the building hear the sound of one hand clapping? I swear if you’ve ruined another one of my Grattan catalogues with your man milk I promise you this is the last time Madame palmer's five daughters are coming 'round to play.”
by Filthclub July 9, 2010
A term that means Yhasssssssssss, it expresses extreme approval for fashion, hair, or anything fabulous. While saying it one should clap and snap along with fling their hair, shake their head, and make fish lips.
"Honey, that weave is everything "Hand Claps and Finger Snaps" to the temples for offering the sacrifice of that weave!!!"
by A Shade of Lovely November 18, 2014
Sarcastic Reply.
when asked to do something unpleasant or tedious, this response sums up how horrid you think that task is- and you are not going to do it .
when asked to do something unpleasant or tedious, this response sums up how horrid you think that task is- and you are not going to do it .
Teacher: Smith, can you help me to hand out these excercise books to the rest of the class?
Smith: no chance...I'd rather shit in my hands and clap. Sir.
Smith: no chance...I'd rather shit in my hands and clap. Sir.
by Mr Cunninglinguist August 18, 2013
When someone is pissing you off, you really want to tell them to get fucked….. but you’re not that rude !
by Trav Brown February 27, 2022
by RossF92 March 1, 2016