Where does the expression "to box someone's ears" come from and what does it mean ?

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Where does the expression "to box someone's ears" come from and what does it mean ?

Question #132584. Asked by underscored.
Last updated Aug 22 2016.
Originally posted Sep 20 2013 7:49 AM.

Related Trivia Topics: Vocabulary Idioms and Proverbs

LBaggins

Answer has 6 votes

Currently Best Answer

LBaggins

14 year member
129 replies avatar

Answer has 6 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.

This site says the origin is unknown (waaaay down at the bottom), under "box2" it says "[1300-50; Middle English; of uncertain orig.]."

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/box

Charles Dickens used the term in 1855.

http://books.google.com/books?id=ReQRAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA608&lpg=PA608&dq=origin+of+proverb+%22ears+boxed%22&source=web&ots=9RIpdyb-VY&sig=6i-q4HRPvo9B5Es30oN4pcf_CAY&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=7&ct=result#v=onepage&q&f=false

Response last updated by nautilator on Aug 22 2016.
Sep 20 2013, 11:13 AM

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Answer 1

romeomikegolf

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romeomikegolf

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20 year member
559 replies avatar

Answer has 0 votes.

To have someone 'box your ears' is to be hit across the side of the head with either a flat or cupped hand. A very dangerous action, it can burst the eardrum. Where it comes from though I haven't been able to find out.

Sep 20 2013, 9:10 AM

Answer 2

Ptichka

Answer has 2 votes

Ptichka

Answer has 2 votes.

According to Webster, "box" is defined as a punch or slap. Hence to "box your ears" is to slap someone upside the head.

Sep 20 2013, 9:23 AM

Where does the expression "to box someone's ears" come from and what does it mean ?

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