Theories abound, but three are the most popular:
For a device that works so hard to eliminate reaching, stretching, and spilled wine, the name seems almost insulting. Let’s spin the wheel of etymology and find out how this rotating tray got its guilty name.
While the rotating serving tray is a staple of dining rooms and Chinese restaurants worldwide, the specific origin of its name, the "Lazy Susan," remains one of the more persistent mysteries in American culinary history. While the device itself dates back to the 18th century, the moniker we use today didn’t enter the popular lexicon until the early 20th century. 1. The Precursor: The "Dumbwaiter"
A folksy legend claims a wealthy man invented the tray for his daughter, Susan, who was notorious for refusing to pass the peas. She would complain that reaching across the table disturbed her meal. Her father, fed up, built a spinning wheel so she wouldn’t have to lift a finger. He called it “Lazy Susan” to tease her. It’s a charming story, but likely apocryphal.
Regardless of its murky birth, the Lazy Susan exploded in popularity during the 1940s and 50s. It became a staple of the American suburban kitchen, perfect for TV dinners and corner cabinets. It was democratic, efficient, and slightly kitschy.
The term "Lazy Susan" is an Americanism that emerged in the early 20th century.
