No. This is more of a situation where one single person stands and applauds, while the rest of the audience sits uncomfortably, unsure whether to join. Then after a long uncomfortable moment, one more person joins in. It’s still kind of uncomfortable. Then a few more, then a few more, until finally it’s the whole audience, at which point, yes, it is like regular applause. But the way it starts is not typical. I hope I explained that well.
I don’t wish to hijack but it’s not worth starting a separate thread:
Has anyone every experienced this phenomenon in person or is it solely a Hollywood scriptwriter concoction?
Hollywood fiction.
Just like slapping somebody in the face who’s in hysterics to get them to pull themselves together. You ever try THAT one? I seriously, seriously don’t recommend it.
Not really the same, but this thread reminds me of the great SNL skit “The sarcastically slow clapping family”.