Why Do They Call it a Lazy Susan?

Lazy Susans can be used on table tops or in cabinets. These handy rotating items allow for easy access of condiments or other items and they have been around for centuries. The origin of the term "lazy Susan" seems to have been lost to history. Does this Spark an idea?

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History
- Although lazy Susans were first used in 1700s, there is no clear history on why these furniture pieces are called lazy Susan.
  
  Some believe it originated from a generic name for servants in the 1700s. Domestic servants in that era were often named Susan or simply called Susan. This table top piece would substitute for a servant to pass items around a table.
  
  Several stories concern the lazy Susan's invention. Thomas Jefferson is one of many credited with inventing lazy Susans. A story is told that his daughter Susan complained that she was last to be served at the table, thus he invented a tool to assist with serving.
  
  Thomas Edison is also cited with the creation of the lazy Susan. A azy Susan and his phonograph turntable are similar.
  
  The first documented citation of the term "lazy Susan" can be found in a 1917 Vanity Fair advertisement.
Function
- Table top lazy Susans are used to easily pass food and condiments around tables. They can frequently be seen at restaurants with larger table sizes in the United States. You will often find them at U.S. Chinese restaurants, which have larger-than-average tables and a multiplicity of condiments.
  
  Cabinet lazy Susans are often used in corner units, where the cabinet is deeper than average. These are often multi-level versions, allowing ease of access to the items stored in the back.
Types
- Lazy Susans' types are numerous. Tabletop versions can be found as single level or multilevel. Cabinet lazy Susans are more frequently multi-level.
  
  Lazy Susans are typically made out of wood, although you can find them made out of every material imaginable. Plastic, stone, bamboo, stainless steel and even recycled wine barrel versions are available.
Cost
- Inexpensive versions can be found at retailers such as Target and Wal-Mart. Specialty versions using materials such as marble or stainless steel can be found at niche retailers such as LazySusans.com.
Other details
- Lazy Susans have also been referred to in the past as dumbwaiters. That term has now come to refer to a small elevator that moves food between floors in the United States.
  
  The term dumbwaiter is still used in Britain to refer to a lazy Susan.

Comments

Susan Jul 14, 2011
I object....time for a name change.

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