Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word soapbox. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word soapbox, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say soapbox in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word soapbox you have here. The definition of the word soapbox will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofsoapbox, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
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.
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.
(figuratively) A talk about one's pet topic (or the topic itself), especially when only tangentially relevant to an ongoing discussion.
He's been on his soapbox all day about the new football coach.
