Page "Applause" Paragraph 19

In some cultures, slow, synchronized clapping by displeased audience members is considered not applause, but the opposite: a form of heckling, or an expression of mocking dislike or disapproval of the performer.

The person being slowly clapped at may interpret the clap as an insult, and a sign to leave the stage.

Comedian Fred Allen, in his book " Much Ado about Me ," wrote that one noted Vaudeville house developed a rhythm (" clap, clap, clap clap clap "), the maddening repetition of which could completely unnerve a performer.