Gogglebox

/ˈɡɔɡəlbɑks/ noun

Definition

British slang for a television set, reflecting how people used to stare wide-eyed (with goggles) at the TV screen.

Etymology

Compound of 'goggle' (to stare with wide eyes) and 'box' (a television set). The term emerged in British English in the mid-20th century when television was still relatively new and fascinated viewers.

Kelly Says

'Gogglebox' is delightfully literal—Brits called it that because people would sit mesmerized, their eyes bulging like they were wearing goggles, staring at this magical glowing rectangle. There's also a British reality show with this name that films families watching TV.

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