General
doc in a box
What does doc in a box mean?
American slang for a freestanding urgent-care or walk-in clinic, often in a strip mall next to a nail bar. The 'box' is the prefab unit; the 'doc' is whoever's on shift. Used both fondly (cheap, fast, no wait) and dismissively (assembly-line medicine).
"Couldn't get a GP slot for a fortnight so I just went to the doc in a box on the high street."
Origin
American English, 1980s, as freestanding urgent-care chains proliferated.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'doc in a box' mean?
A 'doc in a box' is a small walk-in clinic where you can be seen without an appointment.
How do you use 'doc in a box' in a sentence?
"I'll just pop into the doc in a box down the road for my cough."
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