It is called Boxing Day because, in the UK, delivery people (Dustmen, Milkmen, Paper carriers, etc.) used to go round on December 26th asking for a “box” (a monetary annual gift). I was still going in the 1940s and 1950s when I was a child and teenager in London. Noting to do with charity for the poor, I’m afraid. I suppose the name still lingers on in the Commonwealth countries.
It’s “boracic” meaning broke not ‘brassic.’ British slang for broke is “skint.” Skint rhymes with “boracic lint” (a sort of medicated bandage)—hence “boracic” (pronounced ‘boreassik’). Cheers.
It is called Boxing Day because, in the UK, delivery people (Dustmen, Milkmen, Paper carriers, etc.) used to go round on December 26th asking for a “box” (a monetary annual gift). I was still going in the 1940s and 1950s when I was a child and teenager in London. Noting to do with charity for the poor, I’m afraid. I suppose the name still lingers on in the Commonwealth countries.