The spelling of the word "gotten soapbox" may seem strange to some, as it uses the past participle form of "get" which is not commonly used in British English. However, in American English, it is more widely accepted. Additionally, the word "soapbox" refers to a small platform used for public speaking, typically by a person promoting a cause or idea. Its correct pronunciation is /ˈsoʊpˌbɒks/ and the word "gotten" is pronounced /ˈɡɑtən/ in American English.
Gotten soapbox is an idiomatic expression that originated from the combination of the verb "get" and the noun "soapbox." It describes a situation where someone has obtained or acquired a soapbox, figuratively speaking, in order to voice their opinions or beliefs publicly and assertively.
The term "soapbox" refers to a raised platform or a box where a speaker would stand to deliver impromptu speeches or passionate discourses in public areas, such as street corners or parks. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, soapbox speeches served as a common means for individuals to express their views on various social, political, or cultural matters, often with a persuasive or rhetorical intention.
The phrase "gotten soapbox" has evolved to describe individuals who have taken a stand or seized an opportunity to express their strong opinions or personal beliefs, usually in an emphatic or enthusiastic manner. It implies that they have actively sought out a platform or an audience to avidly communicate their viewpoint, perhaps highlighting their fervor or determination in doing so. This phrase can additionally suggest that the person has become somewhat self-righteous or overbearing in their approach, insisting on the importance or validity of their ideas.
Overall, the term "gotten soapbox" captures the essence of someone who has actively acquired a platform to passionately express their opinions, typically in a forceful or assertive manner, displaying a strong conviction in their beliefs.
The word "soapbox" originated in the early 20th century and has its roots in the literal object of a soapbox.
In the past, soapboxes were commonly used as makeshift platforms or pedestals for public speaking. People would stand on these wooden crates or boxes in public spaces, such as parks or street corners, to deliver impromptu speeches or share their opinions on various topics.
Over time, the term "soapbox" became associated with a metaphorical platform or podium from which one expresses their views or promotes a particular cause. It is often used to describe someone who passionately espouses their opinions, often without being invited or given a formal platform to speak.
The use of "gotten" in "gotten soapbox" suggests that someone has acquired or obtained a soapbox in order to speak their mind.