Where Does the Term "pot luck" Come From?
By celticeagle
@celticeagle (183316)
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.
5 people like this
3 responses
@Nakitakona (58575)
• Philippines
3h
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.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (183316)
• Boise, Idaho
2h
How interesting. Thanks so much for sharing this delightful story.
