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From soap + box. The figurative use of the word derives from the fact that soap products in the US used to be commonly transported to stores in large wooden boxes. It used to be common for individuals to give impromptu rally speeches to their neighbors by finding something to stand on like a soapbox.
The one image which the word “Socialist” brought to Jurgis was of poor little Tamoszius Kuszleika, who had called himself one, and would go out with a couple of other men and a soap-box, and shout himself hoarse on a street corner Saturday nights.
(figuratively, often pejorative) A platform or outlet, such as a media platform, that a person uses to express his or her opinions.
The politician used Twitter as his soapbox.
Please stop using council meetings as your own personal soapbox.
2013, Robert F. Ely, Candidate for President, →ISBN, page 25:
Bernhard's last appearance on a late-night talk show was a handy soapbox to expound on his political message of patriotism, nationalism, and populism.
(derogatory, especially in phrases such as 'on/off one's soapbox') A figurative means of talking repeatedly or at length about one's opinions on one's pet topic.
He's been on his soapbox all day about the new football coach.