jack in the box etymology

Etymology

The term "jack in the box" has its origins in the 16th century, when it referred to a mechanical device that contained a spring-loaded figure. When the box was opened, the figure would pop out, hence the name "Jack in the box."

Meaning

A "jack in the box" is a toy or device that consists of a box with a spring-loaded mechanism that causes a figure or other object to pop out when the box is opened.

Origin

The exact origin of the "jack in the box" is unknown, but there are several theories.

• The Japanese Okiagari-Koboshi: A wooden doll with a weighted bottom that wobbles around but returns upright when knocked over.
• The French Sauterelle: A small metal box with a spring-loaded grasshopper that popped out when the box was opened.
• The English "Peeping Tom": A device featuring a figure that would pop out of a box when a lever or button was pressed.

Over time, the term "jack in the box" has also been used figuratively to refer to something that is unexpected, startling, or amusing. For example, a person who suddenly appears or acts in an unpredictable way might be referred to as a "jack in the box."

jack in the box relate terms

• Jack

  Etymology Derived from the Middle English name Jakke a vernacular form of the Mediev

• Jacob

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• John

  Etymology Hebrew יוחנן Yōḥānān Meaning God is gracious or Yahweh i

• Jack

  Etymology Derived from the Middle English name Jakke a vernacular form of the Mediev

• zany

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• jock

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• jockey

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• derrick

  Etymology The name Derrick is derived from the Dutch or Low German surname Derk whi

• cash

  Etymology Borrowed from Middle French cas from Old French chas of uncertain origin I

• chest

  Etymology Middle English cheste chist Old English ċēst Proto Germanic kastiz Pro

• trunk

  Etymology The word trunk has multiple etymological origins From Old English trunc

• capsule

  Etymology The word capsule comes from the Latin word capsula which means small box

• stem winder

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• chassis

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• endure

  Etymology Old French endurer Latin indūrāre to harden make firm Proto Indo Euro

• asparagus

  Etymology The word asparagus comes from the Greek word asparagos meaning sprout