Have you ever been confused as to why something is called a “dumb waiter”? There are a lot of common household and restaurant items that are given odd and mysterious names, so why is a dumb waiter called such an odd name?
In this article, we will delve into the history of the dumb waiter to uncover its strange name and find out why it is so-called. From its relationship to the wealthy classes to its actual purpose, get ready to learn a lot about the mystery of the dumb waiter!
Why is it Called a Dumb Waiter?
Have you ever heard the phrase “dumb waiter,” and wondered what it means or why it’s called that?Well, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll explore the history of the dumb waiter, and why it has this unusual name.
What is a Dumb Waiter?
A dumb waiter is a service lift or small elevator, typically found in the kitchen of a restaurant or home. It is used to move food, dishes, or other items from the kitchen to other areas of the restaurant or home.
The dumb waiter is usually connected to a pulley system, allowing it to be operated without an operator.
How did the Dumb Waiter Get its Name?
The dumb waiter gets its name from the old stage conventions in which an inanimate figure or “dumb waiter” was used to deliver messages or goods without speaking during the performance.This “dumb waiter” was usually a wooden box or device with a lid that was able to be opened and closed. In the 16th century, the term “dumb waiter” was used to describe small tables that could be elevated and lowered.
However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that the term was used to describe the mechanical lifts we know today.
The History of the Dumb Waiter
The original dumb waiter lift was first invented in the mid-1800s. This early form of the lift was used to move trays of food from the kitchen to the dining or serving area.Since then, the invention has been refined and improved upon. Today, dumb waiters are much more advanced, and can move items both up and down multiple floors.