soapbox

Meaning

Noun

1. (literally) A crate for packing soap.
2. A small platform, being or resembling a literal soapbox, on which a person stands in order to give an impromptu speech or espouse his or her views.
3. (figuratively, often, pejorative) A platform or outlet, such as a media platform, that a person uses to express his or her opinions.
4. (derogatory, especially) A figurative means of talking repeatedly or at length about one's opinions on one's pet topic.
5. (broadly, derogatory, especially) A figurative means of talking repeatedly or at length about one's opinions on one's pet topic.
6. A soapbox car.

Verb

To give a speech from (or as if from) a soapbox.

Synonyms

podium

dais

ambo

pulpit

rostrum

stump

platform

packing case

packing box

Translations

Seifenkiste

podio

tribune

estrade

tarima

tribune improvisé

tribuna

dais

púlpit

chaire

podium

βήμα

pòdium

pergamo

podi

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈsəʊpbɒks/

Etymology

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.