| 释义 |
box-standard, n. and a.
Brit. |ˌbɒksˈstandəd|, U.S. |ˈˌbɑksˈstæn(d)ərd|
[‹ box n.2 + standard n. Compare later bog-standard adj.
The sense in which box can be understood in the phrase varies. In the earlier noun, box reflects the hollow framework: hollow tubing is the most economical (and hence most common) material with which to build a strong frame or mounting. In the adjective, box is often understood as a reference to packaging, though in quot. 1983 B., the sense is clearly of the box as a shape or frame. Given the strong anecdotal evidence of an early association with motorcycles and cars (see note s.v. bog-standard adj.), it is possible the technical sense of the noun was originally present in the adjective, but that box standard came later to be interpreted (or rationalized) as meaning ‘a standard engine frame, etc., without modifications, such as one might expect straight from the manufacturer's box’, in turn giving rise to the present sense.]
†A. n. A frame or standard of hollow tubing forming the main framework of a machine, engine, etc. Obs.
1884Manufacturer & Builder June 127/3 The following claim is made for this invention: In a jointing attachment to wood-planing machines,..the standards F 0, to support the jointing devices, consisting in the combination of the cutter-heads supported by adjustable box standards Y, having sliding bearings in the bars V f. 1888J. G. Horner Lockwood's Dict. Mech. Engin. 45 Box standard or boxed standard, the standard, or main framework, of a machine or engine, which is hollowed internally to obtain the maximum of strength with the minimum of material.
B. adj. colloq. (chiefly Brit.). In motoring, engineering, and other technical contexts: in standard manufactured form, unmodified; (hence) basic, unexceptional.
Perhaps used originally of motorcycles and cars: see notes in etymology and bog-standard adj.
1983Computerworld 21 Feb. (In Depth Suppl.) 2/3 We cannot foresee a day when a computer becomes just a standard box. There will be box-standard machines along the road, but we do not simply have to make those. There will always be something fresh waiting to be done. 1991R. Cooke Paintball 28/1 An inspection of the hammer reveals one of the most hi-tech items currently fitted to a box standard weapon. 1997Independent (Nexis) 4 May It's not entirely boring, but it inspires precious little genuinely dirty romance in the rider. It really is the box standard Ford Escort of the motorcycling world. 2001Daily Record (Glasgow) (Nexis) 7 Sept. 45 No quattro system for me, just front-wheel drive... Just a box-standard 2.2 litre five-cylinder workhorse. |