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 10, 2012
Get the one hand clapping mug.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 20, 2007
Get the one hand clapping mug.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 10, 2010
Get the One hand clapping mug.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
Get the Hand Claps and Finger Snaps mug.by Robby O'licious Bacon June 18, 2006
Get the back hand clapper mug.by Oingooboingo January 29, 2023
Get the One hand clapping mug.1) A series of excessive, self-congratulatory statements or actions
2) A really disorganized situation with loads of people in the way.
3) A situation involving much disorder, but those involved think that everything is going well.
2) A really disorganized situation with loads of people in the way.
3) A situation involving much disorder, but those involved think that everything is going well.
1) Dave: Everyone in the office seems really happy about this award we won!
Nelly: It really is turning into a festival of handclaps.
2) Dave: Wow, where did all these people come from?! I can't find a thing!
Nelly: I'm tired of this festival of handclaps! Clap clap clap!
3) Dave: Why is everyone so chipper? That's the third client we've lost this month!
Lauren: They are acting like they're oblivious... It's a total festival of handclaps!
Nelly: It really is turning into a festival of handclaps.
2) Dave: Wow, where did all these people come from?! I can't find a thing!
Nelly: I'm tired of this festival of handclaps! Clap clap clap!
3) Dave: Why is everyone so chipper? That's the third client we've lost this month!
Lauren: They are acting like they're oblivious... It's a total festival of handclaps!
by Sapphires and Swingstars December 7, 2006
Get the festival of handclaps mug.