What Does Potluck Mean?

A potluck is a communal gathering where each guest or group contributes a different, often homemade, dish of food to be shared. Other names for a "potluck" include: potluck dinner, pitch-in, shared lunch, spread, faith supper, carry-in dinner, covered-dish-supper, fuddle, Jacob's Join, and fellowship meal.

Why is it called potluck?

The word pot-luck appears in the 16th century English work of Thomas Nashe, and used to mean "food provided for an unexpected or uninvited guest, the luck of the pot." The modern execution of a "communal meal, where guests bring their own food," most likely originated in the 1930s during the Depression.

What is a potluck lunch?

noun. food or a meal that happens to be available without special preparation or purchase: to take potluck with a friend. Also called potluck supper, potluck dinner, potluck lunch . a meal, especially for a large group, to which participants bring various foods to be shared.

David Miller

David Miller

Executive Financial & Market Analyst

David Miller brings 15 years of experience in global economics, personal finance strategy, and market dynamics. He specializes in turning complex economic trends into actionable insights for everyday readers.