Have you ever spotted the letters “WC” outside a public restroom and wondered what they stand for? You’re not alone—people around the globe often find themselves puzzled by this signage, which simply denotes a space equipped with a toilet and sink.
While we’ll explain what “WC” actually means, don’t expect it to sound much more logical than terms like restroom, bathroom, or loo.
In 2020, a couple named Shelby and Dylan highlighted these quirky linguistic differences in a viral TikTok video. The clip showcased Dylan walking past a sign labeled “washroom” and asking, “What in the world is a washroom? What are they washing in there?” He then adds, “Oh, it’s a restroom. The only thing I wash in there is my hands.” Off-camera, Shelby humorously responds, “Do you rest in a restroom?”
@shelbanddyl I didn’t know he had Canadian roots 🤣 We got to ride a horse trolley and loved it! We can’t wait to come back and do a lot more! ❤️#shelbanddyl #husbandreacts #canada #couples #relationships ♬ original sound – Shelby & Dylan
“That’s a good point—they both don’t make much sense,” Dylan remarked in the video. His observation sparked a lively discussion online, with users sharing their preferred terms for this essential room.
One commenter summed up the variety by saying, “It’s called a bathroom, restroom, washroom, and toilet.” Another shared a humorous anecdote: while visiting Disneyland, they asked for the “washroom” and were directed to a laundromat. Yet another chimed in, “Wait until he hears about water closets.”
What is a Water Closet?
According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, a water closet is “a compartment or room with a toilet” or simply “a toilet bowl and its accessories.” Historically, the term dates back to the days when homes didn’t have indoor plumbing. The “water closet” referred to a small, enclosed space dedicated to a toilet, separate from other bathroom functions like bathing.
By the late 19th century, with the rise of indoor plumbing, water closets became more common in American homes. Initially, bathrooms were strictly for bathing, while water closets housed the toilet. Over time, these functions were combined into the modern bathroom we know today, but in many parts of the world, the term “WC” remains a standard way to label restrooms in public spaces.
Cultural Variations in Bathroom Terminology
Depending on where you are, the room containing a toilet goes by many names—loo, restroom, washroom, lavatory, or simply WC. This variety often leads to funny misunderstandings. For instance, one Reddit user pointed out, “Americans might ask: ‘Why is it called a WC (water closet) if it isn’t even a closet?’”
Meanwhile, other languages have their own unique terms. In Russian, a restroom might be referred to as “a room without windows,” even if it has one. In Esperanto, it’s called necesejo, meaning “necessary place.” Canadians commonly use “washroom,” though some regions in the U.S., like the Midwest, also favor this term.
What’s in a Name?
Despite the debate over names, the essential function of the space remains universal. Whether you call it a washroom, bathroom, WC, or loo, the important thing is what it provides.
What do you call this room, and why? Share your thoughts, and feel free to pass along this story to hear from others in your network!
