By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
On the 26th of December 2023, I, Ibrahim Taofeek Kegbegbe, take up my pen to address the prevalent misconception surrounding the term “Boxing Day.” As a grammarian, it is crucial to unravel the linguistic complexities and shed light on the multifaceted nature of the word “boxing.”
Traditionally, “Boxing Day” is observed on December 26th in many countries, with historical origins tied to the practice of giving boxes of food, money, or goods to those less fortunate. This benevolent tradition stems from the notion that servants and tradespeople received gifts or “boxes” from their employers. Today, the day is associated with both shopping sales and charitable activities.
However, a contentious issue arises as some historians condemn the act of engaging in boxing matches on the 26th of December, arguing that it should solely be a day for opening charity boxes to aid the less privileged. This perspective, I contend, is dogmatic, and unreasonable, and fails to acknowledge the polysemic nature of the term “boxing.”
“Boxing” operates both as a noun and a gerund, providing diverse meanings based on its context. As a noun, it denotes the sport or activity of boxing, while as a gerund, it functions as a verb in a sentence. For instance, “I enjoy watching boxing,” showcases its use as a noun, whereas “He is boxing in the ring,” illustrates its gerund form.
Moreover, “boxing” can also serve informally as an adjective, describing something related to or characteristic of the sport, such as “boxing gloves” or “boxing ring.” This flexibility in usage contributes to the polysemy of the term.
It is paramount to recognize that when I mention ‘Boxing Day,’ I may refer not only to the traditional holiday but also to a day when two boxers are scheduled to meet in the boxing ring. The term “boxing” in this context takes on a different connotation, emphasizing the sport rather than charitable activities.
Ultimately, the insistence that Boxing Day should be exclusively dedicated to charitable acts is a narrow interpretation of the term. Linguistically, “boxing” accommodates various meanings, and the 26th of December can be rightfully associated with both the sport and charitable endeavors.
Well, to avoid ambiguity, specifying the context in which “boxing” is used becomes imperative, allowing for a nuanced understanding of this polysemic word.