Why does Chicago O'Hare have a penalty box?
In addition to what vasin mentioned in his answer, a mechanic from O'Hare mentioned hearing ATC direct aircraft to go there when they weren't ready for takeoff by the time they got to the runway in a comment on the video that prompted the linked question:


  They [the pilot of the aircraft not yet ready for departure] sheepishly called and told the tower that they'd need another moment or two before takeoff. The controller goes..."Uh....yeah, no.....cross Runway two-seven left and hold in the penalty box. We'll be in touch."


Apparently ATC doesn't like you holding up the line of departing traffic at ORD.



As mentioned in the comments, the concept of having a paved area on or near the taxiways for planes to park while waiting to be ready for departure, waiting for a gate, or other similar uses is not unique to O'Hare. Most significantly-sized commercial airports have such areas. The primary thing that is unique about O'Hare's is just that it's named and the name is on the airport diagram. And perhaps also this particular controller's snarky sense of humor.