Where Does the Term "pot luck" Come From?
By celticeagle
@celticeagle (189819)
Boise, Idaho
December 19, 2025 3:35pm CST
This term goes back to 16th Century England and meant 'the luck of the pot'. It had to do with unexpected guests and eating whatever was available in the communal-like pot.
This term became popular again in the U.S. during the Great Depression. It was a communal way to share food.
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5 responses
@aninditasen (18198)
• Raurkela, India
20 Dec
Thanks for the information. This situation has happened quite a number of times in my life.
1 person likes this
@aninditasen (18198)
• Raurkela, India
23 Dec
@celticeagle This situation is at times irritating when you are not prepared for the situation.
@Nakitakona (59987)
• Philippines
20 Dec
I remember a story about the magic pot in our local myth. A poor farmer happened to help an old dirty man who's begging for food. The only food the farmer had for his lunch was shared to the beggar. And in exchange for farmer's benevolence, the beggar gave him a mysterious pot. The farmer accepted and to his surprise the pot didn't run out of food once he used it for cooking. Thus, the local legend of pot luck.
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@celticeagle (189819)
• Boise, Idaho
20 Dec
How interesting. Thanks so much for sharing this delightful story.
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@celticeagle (189819)
• Boise, Idaho
19 Dec
It never made a lot of sense to me. Thanks.
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@LindaOHio (222285)
• United States
20 Dec
Potluck meals are fun. Thank you for the info.
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