hugboxes

Noun

hugbox (plural hugboxes)

1. A therapeutic device designed to apply pressure to the body of a hypersensitive person (usually someone on the autism spectrum) in order to calm them by providing grounding sensory stimulation.
   • She [Temple Grandin] couldn't stand to be touched but was starved for affection and the safety of being contained. This need led to her clever device, the “hug box” which compressed her sides like the cattle chute it was modeled after.2011, Recovering the Self: A Journal of Hope and Healing, Volume 3, Number 4, October 2011, unnumbered page

   Synonyms:

   hug machine, squeeze box, squeeze machine

2. (derogatory, offensive, slang) An environment that validates or reinforces a narrow set of beliefs by relying on false positivity and excluding any form of criticism.
   • Instead, we get a bunch of hugbox panel discussions where people just reiterate the same, obvious points. Yes, rape is bad. We get it.2011, "The Waif", "I Hate Activists", Oregon Commentator (University of Oregon), Volume 28, Issue 11, 18 May 2011, page 10

   Synonyms:

   echo chamber, filter bubble, mutual admiration society, safe space, circle jerk

See all 3 meanings of hugbox