unboxing
un-BOK-sing
/ʌnˈbɒksɪŋ/
The act of removing a newly purchased product from its packaging and examining its features.
In modern culture, this often refers to a video recorded and posted online showing this process.
The story behind the word. The word 'box' comes from the boxwood tree, which was used to make sturdy containers. 'Unboxing' is a modern 21st-century term that turned a mundane chore into a celebrated social event.
Word relationships
- opening: Opening is generic; unboxing is a specific ritual associated with consumer electronics and luxury goods.
Commonly confused with
- packaging: Packaging is the material around the product; unboxing is the act of removing it.
Word family
- unbox (verb): To remove from a box.
Collocations
- unboxing experience
- unboxing video
- premium unboxing
Example sentences
- "The influencer's unboxing video of the new smartphone reached a million views in just two hours." Describing a social media trend.
Memory hook
The 'Un' does the 'Box'. The modern Christmas morning.
When not to use
Do not use for simply opening a grocery bag; it implies a 'reveal' of a significant or exciting product.
Fun facts
- The first 'unboxing' video on YouTube was reportedly for a Nokia phone in 2006.
Related words
Explore more words
unwrap, unpack, fulfillment, proof of purchase, inspection, window-shop
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.