Have you ever come across the letters “WC” on the door of a public restroom and wondered what they mean? If so, you’re not alone. People from around the world have been curious about the term WC, which identifies a room containing a toilet and a sink. Even though we’re here to explain the origin of WC, we can’t promise it will make any more sense than other terms like restroom, bathroom, or loo.
In 2020, a couple named Shelby and Dylan shared a TikTok video highlighting an interesting difference in terminology between Americans and Canadians when referring to this essential room. In the video, Dylan walks past a sign that says “washroom” and asks, “What in the world is a washroom? And what are they washing in there?” He continues, “Oh, it’s a restroom. The only thing I wash in there is my hands!” Off-camera, Shelby can be heard saying, “Do you rest in a restroom?” to which Dylan responds, “That’s a good point. They both don’t make much sense.”
The video quickly gained attention online, and people jumped into the comments to share their thoughts on the various names used for this room. “It’s called a bathroom, restroom, washroom, and toilet,” commented one viewer. Another shared a funny experience, saying, “I asked for the washroom at Disneyland, and they sent me to the laundromat!” Yet another person pointed out, “Wait until he learns about water closets.”
According to Merriam-Webster, a “water closet” refers to “a compartment or room with a toilet” or simply “a toilet bowl and its accessories.” Historically, the terms for these rooms were more straightforward. When someone went to the “bathroom,” it was likely to take a bath, and when visiting a “restroom,” they may have been getting ready or washing up. If they needed to use the toilet, they would use a separate, dedicated space called the water closet.
The names for this room vary significantly depending on where you are in the world. In the UK, for instance, people may call it the “loo,” while in Canada, “washroom” is common. In the US, “bathroom” and “restroom” are often used interchangeably, though the preference depends on the setting and context. Public spaces may use WC as a more formal or universally understood term, often seen in airports, hotels, and other places that cater to international visitors.
Looking back at the origins of the water closet, it wasn’t until the late 19th century that indoor plumbing became widespread in the United States. Before then, having an indoor toilet was a luxury mostly reserved for the wealthy. Many people used outhouses or other outdoor facilities, while their homes had rooms for bathing but not for toilets. Around 1890, with the advent of the water closet, it became more common to see toilets housed separately from bathing spaces. By the early 20th century, the modern bathroom, which combined both a toilet and a bathtub or shower, became standard, especially in American homes.
The integration of toilets into bathrooms was largely practical, allowing for more efficient use of space and a simpler plumbing system. However, combining these functions also reduced privacy, especially in shared households. As a result, the term “water closet” evolved to mean a smaller, enclosed room within a larger bathroom, containing only a toilet and sometimes a small sink for handwashing, creating a more self-contained, private space.
The term WC, used internationally, still puzzles people today. In an effort to demystify it, users on Reddit discussed its meaning in a post titled, “Why is a public WC called a bathroom if there’s no bath?” One American commented, “Why call it a WC if it’s not even a closet?” The same user explained that in the U.S., “bathroom” or “restroom” serves as a common euphemism for a room with a toilet, while other countries use terms like WC, lavatory, or loo.
The conversation extended across various cultures, with one commenter adding, “In Russian, it’s called ‘a room without windows,’ even if there actually is a window.” Another pointed out that in Esperanto, it’s called “necesejo,” which translates to “necessary place.” On the same post, people debated the differences between “washroom” and “restroom.” A Canadian user noted, “Canada famously uses ‘washroom,’” while another commented, “I’m from the Midwest, and ‘washroom’ is common here, though ‘bathroom’ or ‘restroom’ is probably used the most.” Another chimed in, “It makes sense to call it a washroom—you should be washing in there, not resting.”
Terminology aside, each name highlights the unique ways we refer to this essential room. What do you call it? Whether you prefer WC, bathroom, restroom, washroom, or another term, this room remains indispensable. Share your thoughts with us, and perhaps we can uncover even more fascinating perspectives on this universally important space.
