This could be that you’re holding a drink, holding a child’s hand, holding a book, etc - what is the sound of one hand clapping?
Or it could be when your hands don’t work so well any more and you can’t clap.
I usually make some other sound, like saying “yeah!” if it’s a sport, slap my thigh, or stamp (if I can). But I have noticed some people looking at me oddly for not clapping in situations where only clapping is allowed. No whooping or stamping. Thigh-slapping gets very odd looks even though it creates a similar sound.
So I’ve started kinda moving my hands towards each other as best I can, which creates no sound (which is the point of clapping) and makes me look stupid, but seems to satisfy those around me more.
Thigh slapping or whooping, generally. I’ve never noticed being given a funny look. I don’t think I’d care if I were, but I’ve never noticed to find out!
For loud clapping I usually slap my thigh, for the more polite, restrained clapping (e.g. after a speech) I sort of pat the arm of the hand holding my drink, trying not to spill. Sorta works, I think.
It’s mainly for me, of course, knowing that I am showing my appreciation.
If we’re on stage after a choral performance, we’re not allowed to clap the soloists until the third curtain call. Before that, I stamp my feet (which can’t be seen by the audience).
I don’t care if the artist (or whoever) is belting out their magnum opus, I’m probably not going to clap anyway. (That however is no indication that I don’t appreciate their work.)
