Clapping

A clap is the percussive sound made by striking together two flat surfaces, as in the body parts of humans or animals.

Humans clap with the palms of their hands, often quickly and repeatedly to express appreciation or approval (see applause), but also in rhythm as a form of body percussion to match the sounds in music, dance, chants, hand games, and clapping games.

In flamenco and sevillanas, two Spanish musical genres, clapping is called palmas and often sets the rhythm and is an integral part of the songs.

Modern R&B, hip hop, and rap often omit the snare drum, making the claps a more obvious and central feature of the beat.

This was pointed out in popular media by the comedian Robin Thede on The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore.