Why Do We Call It a Lazy Susan Instead of an Apathetic Amy?

Appliances

A lazy Susan is a rotating disc that makes it easy to reach condiments or dishes of food. annick vanderschelden photography/Getty Images

If you have a corner cabinet at home, chances are there’s a lazy Susan inside. Whether it’s a small one used to store condiments or a large one placed in the middle of a table to hold dishes of food, the lazy Susan is a common household item. But have you ever wondered why it’s called a “lazy Susan”?

Before we explore the origin of its name, let’s take a closer look at how a lazy Susan works. It’s a round disc that sits on a set of bearings underneath, allowing it to rotate. It can be made of various materials, such as wood, plastic, glass, or marble, and comes in even-numbered diameters, with sizes ranging from 12 to 48 inches (30 to 122 centimeters).

Now, back to the name. While the exact origin is unknown, one plausible theory is that it derives from the 18th century term “Susan,” which was a generic name used by employers to refer to their female maidservants. “Lazy” was a common complaint against servants at the time, so “lazy Susan” likely became a popular term.

As technology advanced in the early 1900s, rotating trays became a substitute for human labor, eliminating the need for servants to dish out food. This likely contributed to the term “lazy Susan” becoming a mashup of a reference to a lazy employee and the substitution of technology for human power.

While some believe that Thomas Jefferson may have invented the lazy Susan in the 18th century and named it after his daughter Susan, there is no evidence to support this claim. Others credit Thomas Edison, believing that the turntable he created for his phonograph evolved into the lazy Susan.

Regardless of its origin, the lazy Susan remains a popular and useful household item.

Corner cabinets often feature a lazy Susan rotating shelf and cabinet, creating extra space and easy access.
jimkruger/Getty Images

In 1917, an advertisement for a rotating round tray called a lazy Susan appeared in Vanity Fair, which caused it to become a part of American language despite the unclear origin of its name. The name might have been created by an anonymous copywriter who aimed to boost sales during the holidays. Interestingly, the lazy Susan may have been inspired by the European dumbwaiter, a piece of furniture that had three or four round trays decreasing in size from bottom to top, used to store desserts, cheeses, silver, and extra plates, and was situated near the hostess at a dinner table for easy access.

FAQ

1. What is a Lazy Susan?

A Lazy Susan is a rotating tray typically placed on a dining table to facilitate the sharing of food. It allows people to easily access different dishes without having to pass them around the table. The Lazy Susan has become a common sight in many homes and restaurants around the world.

2. Where did the name Lazy Susan come from?

The origins of the term Lazy Susan are not entirely clear. Some believe it was named after a woman who was known for being lazy and always wanting things within reach. Others suggest it was inspired by a device used in Chinese restaurants called a “Susan”, which rotated food to different tables.

3. When did Lazy Susans become popular?

The Lazy Susan has been around for centuries, but it wasn’t until the early 1900s that it became popular in the United States. It was a common feature in many American homes by the 1950s and 60s, and has remained a staple ever since.

4. What are some common uses for a Lazy Susan?

Lazy Susans are most commonly used for dining, but they can also be found in other areas of the home such as kitchen cabinets, pantries, and even in craft rooms. They are a great way to organize and store items, and make it easy to access everything without having to dig through a cluttered space.

5. Are there different types of Lazy Susans?

Yes, there are many different types of Lazy Susans available. Some are made from wood, while others are made from plastic or metal. They come in various shapes and sizes, and some even have built-in dividers to keep items separate.

6. How do you clean a Lazy Susan?

Cleaning a Lazy Susan is easy. Simply remove any items from the tray, and wipe it down with a damp cloth. For tougher stains, use a mild dish soap and water. Be sure to dry it thoroughly before putting anything back on the tray.

7. Can you make your own Lazy Susan?

Yes, you can make your own Lazy Susan with a few simple materials. All you need is a circular piece of wood or plastic, a rotating base, and some screws. You can decorate the tray however you like, and customize it to fit your needs.

8. What are some alternatives to a Lazy Susan?

If you don’t have a Lazy Susan, there are other ways to share food and organize items. A rotating cake stand or turntable can work just as well, or you can simply pass dishes around the table. For storage, pull-out shelves or baskets can be a good alternative to a Lazy Susan.