The term has been in use since the mid-19th century, as was the term "monster meeting", which was coined initially with reference to the huge assemblies of protesters inspired by Daniel O'Connell (1775-1847) in Ireland.
Termenul a fost folosit de la mijlocul sec. al XIX-lea, așa cum a fost termenul „ședința cu monstru” (monster meeting), care se referea la imensele adunări ale protestatarilor inspirați de Daniel O'Connell (1775-1847) în Irlanda.