Ask John: Why is Fan Service Called Fan Service?

Question:
Why is fanservice called fanservice? I know exactly what this is, but when a friend of mine asked me this question, I couldn’t answer him.

Answer:
Fan service got it’s name because it’s literally a “service” for fans. In Japan, where English words and phrases are often used in “creative” ways, the word “service” often refers to “a favor” or something given for free. For example, if you come up a few yen short on your dinner bill, the Japanese waiter may wave it off with the phrase (like Mistao of Evangelion), “Service, service.”