Why do we clap and cheer?

Question

My 8 yr old has just asked me this and I cant answer it - hope someone knows!

Answer 1

This question made me laugh. To show our appreciation? I don't know who started the whole clapping thing haha. I think things would be pretty awkward if we didn't.  

Answer 2

It is to show the people/person performing that you are paying attention/that you are there to see/hear that person.

Answer 3

Animal instinct ?.......chimps and other animals do similar things!!!!

Answer 4

To show our appreciation.

Answer 5

because someone did it hundreds of years ago.

you have to research why. these days it is a form of appreciation or ceremony. now everyone continues it.  in some places there is no clapping and cheering.  it is a noise made by the mouth or mouth and tongue because that is there traditional way.

this reminds me of the salute. long time ago the head armour was raised for some reason or another among the military. now we still do it in the form of a salute to show respect and rank, etc.

good question. research it.

Answer 6

To show apprication and to express happyness

Answer 7

it is a common social behavior accepted and learned durring youth the meaning is a "well done" that a large or small group can express commonly

Answer 8

for motivation

Answer 9

To show applause and to tell someone well done but a BIG well done! :)

Answer 10

'cos sometimes we is 'appy and we know it and we really want to show it

Answer 11

No, merkins cannot clap and cheer at the same time.

Answer 12

Its to applaud someone for their efforts - especially if they are good.

It is to egg people on to better things - to perhaps win something.

It is to show we appreciate a singers performance, a sporting performance.

Its an uplifting thing to do for the person we are doing it for and for us because is makes us all feel good.!!

Howzat?!

Round of applause just about now please!!

Answer 13

so we can hide in amonst a group of americans?