GUI components called spinners were called so because they originally resembled physical controls which had options printed on a barrel, which was then mounted

GUI components called spinners were called so because they originally resembled physical controls which had options printed on a barrel, which was then mounted below the dashboard surface with a slot to reveal the current selection, and had a ridged wheel exposed so you could spin it. Most GUIs now show you all options at once because they can and it’s better.