The Mystery of the WC: Why Do We Call It That?
Have you ever seen the letters WC on a public bathroom sign and wondered what they mean? If so, you’re not alone. People everywhere are curious about why we call it that and what those letters really stand for. Spoiler alert: even after you find out, it might not make much more sense than calling it a “restroom,” “bathroom,” or “loo.”
A TikTok Debate: What’s in a Name?
In 2020, a couple named Shelby and Dylan took this age-old question to TikTok. In their video, Dylan spots a sign labeled “washroom” and is immediately puzzled.
“What in the world is a washroom?” Dylan asks, sounding genuinely confused. “And what are they washing in there? Oh, it’s a restroom. The only thing I wash in there is my hands.”
Off-camera, Shelby adds with a laugh, “Do you rest in a restroom?”
Dylan pauses to think. “That’s a good point,” he admits. “They both don’t make much sense.”
The video went viral, and people jumped into the comments to offer their thoughts on the many names for this all-important room.
Names Across the World
One commenter tried to sum it up: “It’s called a bathroom, restroom, washroom, and toilet.”
Another shared their own mix-up: “When I visited Disneyland, I asked for the washroom, and they sent me to the laundromat!”
A third chimed in with a bit of history: “Wait ‘til he finds out about water closets.”
What Is a Water Closet (WC)?
If you’re wondering what a “water closet” is, you’re not alone. 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.”
The term comes from the early days of indoor plumbing. Back in the 19th century, many homes had a separate small room—the water closet—for the toilet. This was a time when most people didn’t have indoor plumbing at all, and bathrooms were just for bathing. Toilets were usually outside in outhouses.
As plumbing became more advanced, people started installing toilets indoors. The “water closet” became a separate room, often with its own small sink for handwashing. Over time, the term WC stuck, especially in Europe and other parts of the world.
Restrooms, Bathrooms, and Washrooms
The names for this space vary widely depending on where you are in the world. In the U.S., “bathroom” and “restroom” are most common, even though you don’t typically take a bath or rest there.
In Canada, “washroom” is the preferred term. One TikTok commenter said, “Canada famously uses washroom.” Another added, “I’m from the Midwest, and washroom is pretty common here too. But bathroom or restroom are still more popular.”
On Reddit, people shared even more cultural quirks about bathroom names:
- “In Russian, it’s called ‘a room without windows,’ even if there’s actually a window.”
- “In Esperanto, it’s necesejo, which means ‘necessary place.’”
- “In Britain, we say ‘loo.’”
The Evolution of the WC
The modern bathroom, as we know it, didn’t really come into existence until the early 20th century. Before then, indoor plumbing was a luxury, and toilets were often kept separate from bathing spaces.
By the late 19th century, the water closet was introduced. Combining toilets with bathtubs in the same room made sense for saving space and simplifying plumbing, but it also led to a loss of privacy. That’s one reason why some people still prefer to use the term WC—it specifically refers to the toilet itself, separate from a full bathroom.
Even today, WC is a common sign in airports, restaurants, and hotels, especially in places that cater to international travelers. It’s a simple, universal way to indicate where the toilet is.
Online Opinions on the WC
When Redditors debated the name “WC,” one user joked, “Americans might similarly ask: ‘Why is it called a WC if it isn’t even a closet?’” They explained that Americans tend to use terms like “bathroom” or “restroom,” while other countries stick to WC, lavatory, or loo.
Another user added with a chuckle, “Best one is washroom. At least you should be washing in there—not resting.”
Why So Many Names?
At the end of the day, the variety of names reflects how language evolves to fit different cultures and needs. Whether you call it a WC, bathroom, washroom, or loo, the purpose is the same: it’s a place where we take care of essential needs.
So, the next time you see the letters WC, you’ll know it’s just another way to say “restroom.” And while the name might still seem a little strange, at least you’ll have a fun story to share.
What do you think about all these different names for the same place? Do you have a favorite term—or one you find especially confusing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
