Etymology

lazy susan

Today it means: A rotating tray (turntable) used on tables and counters for serving condiments or food. Full definition →

Ask AI about its historyChatGPTClaudePerplexityGoogle AIGrok

The story

Uncertain, but probably a generic name like Jane, in reference to the device replacing a servant at table. The earliest attestation is from c. 1903 in the Boston Journal, which credits a local carpenter named John Laurie as "the resuscitator of 'Lazy Susan'". Almost certainly not named in honor of the daughters of Thomas Jefferson or Edison who were both named Susan.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.