Clacked

To produce a sharp, dry sound, often a repetitive one, typically caused by two hard objects striking together. This sound can be made deliberately, like with castanets, or unintentionally, such as when teeth chatter from cold. The verb "clacked" evokes an image of rhythmic, often quick, percussive noise, often with a brittle or mechanical quality. It can describe the action itself (e.g., "The keys clacked against the counter") or the sound's impact on the listener's environment. The word helps to bring to the surface the audiological attributes of specific soundscapes. It is derived from the Proto-Germanic root '*klak-', signifying a sound or strike.

Clacked meaning with examples

• The old typewriter, a relic of a bygone era, clacked relentlessly, each keystroke echoing through the otherwise silent office. The rhythmic clack of the machine helped the writer keep track of time, but the clacking annoyed the rest of the staff, bringing a wave of agitation through the open-plan setup.
• As she walked through the forest, her boots clacked against the frozen ground, the sound echoing through the stillness of the winter morning. The crisp clacking of the boots alerted small woodland creatures to her presence. It was not unwelcome, however, as they added the music of the forest
• The castanets clacked in time with the flamenco dancer's passionate movements, a percussive counterpoint to the music. The quick clacking of the wood contributed greatly to the energy of the performance. It was also meant to give the audience a visual cue.
• Nervous and shivering in the cold, the suspect's teeth clacked audibly as the detective questioned him about the crime. The sharp, involuntary clacking made the interrogator pause and take note. The clacking showed that the suspect was feeling fearful.