plain brown wrapper
Anonymizing shipping cover
Plain brown wrapper refers to unmarked packaging used to ship items the recipient might not want others to see—typically pornography, sex toys, or other potentially embarrassing purchases.
The phrase evokes mail-order discretion: The catalog promised delivery in a plain brown wrapper.
It now extends to anything kept deliberately nondescript to avoid scrutiny or judgment.
Careful to avoid notice
- anonymousOf unknown origin
- privacyFreedom from observation
- secrecyPractice of hiding information
- covertIntentionally concealed
unmarked · inconspicuous · nondescript · unobtrusive · incognito · confidential · low-key · subtle
Wrapped item for shipping
- kraftStrong unbleached paper
- paperPressed pulp for writing
- packageWrapped item for delivery
- envelopeFolded paper enclosure
mailing · shipping · postage · padded · box · carton · tape · label
Mature person, legally responsible
- pornographySexually explicit arousing material
- eroticaArousing creative works
- contrabandProhibited trade goods
- illicitProhibited by law
embarrassing · risqué · sensitive · shameful · stigmatized · explicit · forbidden · provocative
discreet
Careful to avoid notice
covert · unmarked · inconspicuous · nondescript · unobtrusive · incognito · confidential · low-key · subtle · veiled
parcel
Wrapped item for shipping
envelope · mailing · shipping · postage · padded · box · carton · tape · label · container
adult
Mature person, legally responsible
- pornographySexually explicit arousing material
- eroticaArousing creative works
- contrabandProhibited trade goods
illicit · embarrassing · risqué · sensitive · shameful · stigmatized · explicit · forbidden · provocative · censored
plain brown wrapperout in the open
Visible to everyone
for all to see · window display · showcase · on the shelf · unboxing video
plain, plains, plainly, plainness, plainer, plainest, brown, browns, browned