Home UK English clap skate

Meaning of clap skate in English:

clap skate

Pronunciation /ˈklap skeɪt/

noun

(also klap skate)

  • In speed-skating: a type of ice skate designed for increased speed, consisting of a boot which lifts from the blade at the heel (affording the blade a longer time in contact with the ice) before snapping back into place.

Origin

1990s; earliest use found in The Montreal Gazette. From clap + skate, after Dutch klapschaats (from Dutch klap + schaats) with reference to the noise made by the skate when the blade snaps back into place.