Have you ever walked by a sign that says “WC” on a public bathroom and wondered what it means? You’re not alone! This little abbreviation has puzzled many people around the world.
The “WC” simply refers to a room with a toilet and a sink, but it doesn’t explain why this term is used instead of others like “restroom,” “bathroom,” or “loo.” Let’s dive into the story behind this curious term!
In 2020, a couple named Shelby and Dylan made a funny TikTok video that highlighted the differences in how Americans and Canadians refer to this all-important room. As Dylan walks past a sign that says “washroom,” he asks with a laugh, “What in the world is a washroom? And what are they washing in there? Oh, it’s a restroom. The only thing I wash in there is my hands!”
Shelby, off-camera, chimes in, “Do you rest in a restroom?” Dylan responds, “That’s a good point. They both don’t make much sense!” Their playful banter had viewers chuckling and thinking about the words we use to describe a room that we all need!
As the video gained popularity, people jumped into the comments to share their thoughts on what they call this essential space. One user mentioned, “It’s called a bathroom, restroom, washroom, and toilet.”
Another commenter shared a hilarious story about their visit to Disneyland, saying, “I asked for the washroom and they sent me to the laundromat!” One person even added, “Wait till he finds out about water closets!”
So, what exactly is a “water closet”? According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, a water closet is defined as “a compartment or room with a toilet” or simply a toilet bowl and its accessories. The name might sound strange today, but it actually dates back to a time when going to the bathroom was quite different.
In the past, when people would use the bathroom, it often meant taking a bath. The term “restroom” was used because it seemed like a good place to take a break or freshen up at the sink and mirror.
If someone needed to go potty, they would visit the water closet. Depending on where you live, this room might go by different names like the loo, restroom, washroom, or lavatory.
Today, you’ll frequently see “WC” signs in public places like airports, restaurants, and hotels. It’s just another way to say bathroom or restroom, but it’s often used in more formal settings or places that cater to international travelers.
Now, let’s step back in time a bit to understand how the water closet became popular. Before the 19th century in America, having an indoor toilet was a luxury only the wealthy could afford. Most people had to use outhouses or outdoor facilities. Homes might have had “bathrooms,” but they usually didn’t include toilets.
The game changed with the introduction of indoor plumbing in the late 19th century, and by 1890, water closets that housed toilets separately from bathing areas started to appear.
It wasn’t until the early 20th century that modern bathrooms, with both bathing facilities and toilets in one space, became common. This combination was a smart way to save space and make plumbing easier. However, it did cut down on privacy, especially in shared living situations.
Over time, the term “water closet” began to refer specifically to a small, private room within a larger bathroom designed just for the toilet. These often included a tiny sink for handwashing, making them perfect for convenience.
In an online discussion on Reddit titled, “Why is a public WC called a bathroom if there is no bath?” users weighed in with their thoughts. One Redditor humorously asked, “Americans might similarly ask: ‘Why is it called a WC (water closet) if it isn’t even a closet?’”
Another user explained that in the U.S., “bathroom” or “restroom” is the common term for the room with a toilet, while other places use terms like “WC,” “lavatory,” or “loo.”
One commenter added an interesting fact: “In Russian, it’s called ‘a room without windows’ even if there actually is a window!” Another chimed in about the Esperanto word for it, saying it’s “necesejo,” which means “necessary place.”
Interestingly, the terminology varies in Canada as well, where “washroom” is commonly used. “Canada famously uses washroom,” one netizen noted, while another mentioned that in the Midwest, both “washroom” and “restroom” are quite popular. One user even joked, “Best one, I think. You should be washing in there…not resting!”
So, whether you call it a WC, washroom, or bathroom, one thing is clear: everyone has their own way of referring to this essential part of life. What do you think of this quirky story? What term do you use? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
