Meaning

Box and Cox

What's the meaning of the phrase 'Box and Cox'?

To take turns.

What football is all about
What football is all about - caption

What’s the origin of the phrase ‘Box and Cox’?

The term comes from the comic play ‘Box and Cox - A Romance of Real Life in One Act’, by John Maddison Morton. This was first produced at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, London, in November 1847.

Box and Cox were two lodgers who shared their rooms - one occupying them by day and the other by night.

Historical trend

“Box and Cox” in printed material over time

Source: Google Books Ngrams (1800–2020).

180018201840186018801900192019401960198020002020
  • Box and Cox