Have you ever wondered what the mysterious “WC” symbol on public restroom doors really means? Well, you’re not alone—people from all over the world have been trying to crack the code behind these two simple letters. Turns out, “WC” is shorthand for a room with a toilet and a sink, but even after we explain it, it might not make much more sense than the usual terms like restroom, bathroom, or loo.
A Funny Debate About Restrooms
In 2020, a TikTok video by Shelby and Dylan sparked an interesting and hilarious debate about restroom terminology between Americans and Canadians. Dylan, a curious guy, spotted the word “washroom” on a sign and couldn’t hold back his confusion.
“What on earth is a restroom?” Dylan asked, perplexed as he passed the sign. “What are they cleaning in there? It’s a bathroom, I see. I only wash my hands in there.”
Shelby, in true comedic fashion, couldn’t help but add, “Do you rest in a restroom?”
Dylan nodded thoughtfully. “You make a valid point. Neither of them makes much sense.”
This funny exchange quickly caught the attention of internet users, who flooded the comment section with their thoughts. One user chimed in, “It’s called a bathroom, restroom, washroom, and toilet.” Another user joked about their Disneyland experience: “I asked for the washroom and was sent to the laundromat!”
The comments didn’t stop there. One person playfully said, “Wait ’til he finds out about water closets.” And that’s where things get even more interesting.
What’s the Deal With a Water Closet?
The term “water closet” (or WC) is often seen on signs in public places, and many people find themselves wondering: What exactly is a “water closet”? Well, according to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, a “water closet” refers to “a compartment or room with a toilet” or simply “a toilet bowl and its accessories.” Seems straightforward, right?
But here’s the kicker: back in the day, bathrooms were actually places for bathing. People didn’t just go there to use the toilet—they also spent time preparing for the day, washing up at sinks, or even “resting” in some way. The toilet itself was an afterthought, tucked away in what we now call the water closet.
In different parts of the world, this small room has many names: loo, restroom, bathroom, washroom, lavatory, or WC. But in international settings, the WC is often used as a global sign, especially in places like hotels, airports, and restaurants catering to tourists from all over the globe.
The Water Closet’s History
But why is the WC so common in certain places? To understand that, we have to go back in time. Before the 19th century, indoor toilets were a luxury enjoyed mostly by the rich. For most people, outhouses and outdoor facilities were the go-to options. While some homes had bathrooms for bathing, most didn’t include a toilet in the same space.
The arrival of the water closet in the 1890s marked a big change. It was the start of widespread indoor plumbing, and it introduced a more private and hygienic way of handling bodily functions. However, the toilet and the bathtub were often kept in separate rooms at first. The modern bathroom, combining both toilets and bathtubs into one room, didn’t become common until the early 20th century.
But the combination of toilets and bathtubs in one room created privacy issues, especially in public areas or communal spaces. So, the “water closet” became a more common term for the enclosed, private area dedicated solely to the toilet.
A Fun Debate on Reddit
The confusion about the water closet and bathroom continued on Reddit, where users got together to share their thoughts on the term “water closet.” A user asked, “Why is a public WC called bathroom if there is no bath?”
The responses were equally amusing. One Redditor joked, “Americans might ask: ‘Why is it called a WC (water closet) if it isn’t even a closet?’” Another user explained that in the U.S., the term “bathroom” or “restroom” is preferred, while other places use “WC,” “lavatory,” or “loo.”
One user added a fascinating cultural twist, saying, “In Esperanto, it’s called ‘necessary place,’” while another person shared, “In Russian, it’s ‘a room without windows,’ even if there is a window.”
The debate didn’t stop there. Other Redditors jumped in to discuss which term was most common in their regions. “I’m from the Midwest, and washroom is fairly common here,” one person shared. Meanwhile, another user pointed out, “Canada famously uses washroom,” although the terms restroom and bathroom are still used frequently.
One user humorously concluded, “The best term is ‘restroom’ because, well, you ought to be washing in there… not sleeping!”
What’s Your Take on Restroom Terms?
This ongoing debate about restrooms, water closets, and washrooms shows how a simple concept can be a source of confusion and humor around the world. Whether you call it a bathroom, WC, or something else entirely, we all know what we’re referring to when nature calls. So next time you’re traveling or just passing by a restroom sign, take a moment to appreciate the global diversity of names for the same thing!
What do you think about all these different terms? Do you have a favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
