h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

In addition, applause can also be used (peversley) to indicate sarcasm, disaproval or ridicule such as "a clap every 2 seconds" to indicate that "To be honest, that wasn't very good..."

For the performing artist, whether singer, actor or other performer, the most delghtful thing about applause is the consumption of alchohol which it heralds.

Howabout artificial applause created by television floor managers who try
to make the show seem more interesting or funny than it really is. You've
seem him walking backwards and forwards nervously behind the camera
clapping his hands at the audience or pressing a button which creates a
flashing "APPLAUSE" sign. Abit like canned laughter completely artificial
and without any integrity...