The term “birdbox” has gained popularity in recent years thanks to the wildly successful 2018 Netflix film of the same name. However, the origins of the word “birdbox” and its various meanings are still unclear to many people. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the history of the term “birdbox,” examine how its definition has evolved over time, and outline its significance in popular culture today.
The Origins of “Birdbox”
While the term “birdbox” entered mainstream consciousness in 2018, its history stretches back much farther. The first known use of the word dates to the 16th century. In the 1500s, a “birdbox” referred to a nest box or wooden shelter specifically designed for breeding birds. Birdboxes provided birds with a safe space to lay eggs and raise young away from predators. They were a common fixture of farms and rural properties.
During the Victorian era in the 19th century, displaying decorative birdboxes became a popular gardening trend. The upper classes would adorn their garden trees and walls with ornate birdboxes as a status symbol. Having numerous birdboxes was seen as a sign of affluence and good taste.
By the early 20th century, the meaning of “birdbox” expanded to encompass any type of enclosed box or cage used to contain birds as pets. Birdcages and parrot cages were often referred to colloquially as “birdboxes.” The term lost its exclusive connection to nesting boxes during this time period.
The Evolution of “Birdbox” in the 20th Century
Throughout the 1900s, new usages of “birdbox” continued to emerge. During the World Wars, soldiers would use “birdbox” to refer to the cupola compartment housing the gunner on a bomber plane or tank. These cramped on-board compartments were likened to birdcages or boxes.
In the 1960s and 70s, “birdbox” became a slang term among truckers and CB radio users. It referred to the driver’s cab of a semi-truck or 18-wheeler. Truck drivers would use phrases like “Get back in your birdbox!” to tell each other to pay attention to driving.
Starting in the 1990s, the rave and music festival scene began using “birdbox” to describe small, enclosed spaces for guests to use drugs privately. These semi-private spaces, hidden from security guards but open on one side, were dubbed “birdboxes” as they resembled large nesting boxes. The name stuck and continued to be used at raves into the 2000s.
How “Birdbox” Entered the Mainstream
While “birdbox” appeared in slang and niche contexts throughout the 20th century, it did not become a household name until the 21st century. The term was propelled into mainstream fame by the 2018 Netflix thriller Bird Box starring Sandra Bullock.
In the post-apocalyptic horror film, Bullock’s character must navigate the outside world blindfolded to avoid seeing mysterious entities which cause people to die by suicide. The movie’s title was based on the metaphor of being unable to lift the “blinders” and see the invisible danger outside.
Bird Box‘s massive popularity caused a spike in public curiosity about the term. News articles and explainers abounded about the phrase’s varied history and evolution over centuries. However, for most people today, “birdbox” is indelibly associated with the Bullock film and its themes of blindness, ignorance, and the dangers of the unknown.
The Meanings of “Birdbox” Today
In the wake of the movie’s success, “birdbox” has taken on additional new meanings:
- A general reference to blindfolds, blackout goggles, or other vision-obscuring gear
- Any type of protective enclosure that prevents inside occupants from perceiving outside threats
- A warning about the dangers of refusing to acknowledge reality and “take off the blindfold”
- A metaphor for willful ignorance or denial of facts for psychological self-preservation
The term is frequently used in political commentary to criticize opposing ideologies. For example: “They’re living in a birdbox by denying climate change evidence.” It suggests that one side is blinding themselves from the truth.
“Birdbox” is also used informally to mean a state of confusion, chaos, or disorder. For example: “My house is a birdbox right now with three kids home sick.” Here it connotes a sense of being “in the dark” about the situation at hand.
Birdbox in Pop Culture
Aside from the movie, “birdbox” has shown up in various facets of pop culture:
- The Bird Box movie spawned memes using shots of characters blindfolded. These images are captioned with funny jokes about navigating everyday activities “blind.”
- Celebrities like Kim Kardashian have posted social media photos wearing Bird Box-inspired blindfolds as an homage to the horror film.
- YouTube challenge videos trended in early 2019 showing YouTubers attempting to do makeup or obstacle courses while blindfolded.
- Musicians grapple with Bird Box themes in songs like “Bird Box” by rapper Ski Mask and “Can’t Take My Blinds Off” by $teven Cannon.
The movie’s impact has also spawned countless Bird Box parodies online and in television sketch comedy. Overall, it remains one of the most culturally ubiquitous and recognizable film titles of the decade.
Conclusion
In summary, “birdbox” has taken on a variety of distinct meanings across different eras:
- 1500s – Nesting boxes for breeding birds
- Victorian era – Ornate birdhouses as garden decorations
- Early 1900s – Cages and enclosures for pet birds
- World Wars – Military vehicle compartments housing gunners
- 1960s/70s – Slang for truck driver’s cab
- 1990s – Enclosed private spaces at raves
- Today – Anything blindfold-related; willful ignorance; confusion
While its history is complex, the modern usage of “birdbox” is forever linked to the chilling 2018 Sandra Bullock thriller. The movie cemented “birdbox” as cultural shorthand for blindness to the truth and dangers around us. Its popularity endures through memes, challenges, songs, and perpetual pop culture homages. Despite its varying meanings, the underlying theme is consistent: a birdbox blocks out external forces to create a sense of security within. Whether dangerous or simply confusing, what lies outside the birdbox remains unseen.