But have you ever stopped to wonder: Why “Lazy”? And why “Susan”?
You know the scene. You’re at a dim sum parlor, a family-style Italian dinner, or a chaotic Thanksgiving table. You reach for the soy sauce, but it’s just out of reach. Suddenly, with a gentle spin, the bottle glides toward you. You look down. The unsung hero of the meal has saved the day again: The Lazy Susan. lazy susan etymology
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. First, let’s address the insult. The word “lazy” didn’t start with the spinning tray. In the early 18th century, “lazy” was attached to a few other household items. But have you ever stopped to wonder: Why “Lazy”