Have you ever noticed the letters WC posted outside a public bathroom and wondered what it means?
If so, you’re not alone as people around the world are trying to unravel the mystery of the WC, a space that identifies a room containing a toilet and a sink.
And while we’ll offer you an explanation of the WC, we can’t promise the term will make anymore sense than restroom, bathroom or loo…
In 2020, a couple named Shelby and Dylan shared a TikTok video that revealed a major difference in how some Americans and Canadians do their business.
You May Like
Learn how Malaysia is strengthening its position as a key ASEAN player.UOB by NBCU CatalystRead More
“What in the world is a washroom?” asks Dylan as he walks by sign that says “washroom.”
“And what are they washing in there? Oh, it’s a restroom. The only thing I wash in there is my hands,” he tells his wife. Off-camera, Shelby can be heard asking: “Do you rest in a restroom?”
https://www.tiktok.com/embed/v2/7405358109637578026?lang=en-US&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fen.newsner.com%2Ffamily%2Fmeaning-behind-the-wc-sign-outside-bathrooms%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwY2xjawHk1c1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHQqVY7bzfCkpYxucUyTfjoIseHo-5cWB8HXzBXefyge752ceEG7WgLXpyw_aem_fwHlBvoWAcsTsqoak2taRA&embedFrom=oembed
“That’s a good point. They both don’t make much sense,” Dylan adds.
Online users jumped into the comments section, offering their opinions on the term they prefer to use for the sacred room. “It’s called a bathroom, restroom, washroom and toilet,” offers one user.
A second follower said when they were visiting Disneyland, they “asked for the washroom” and they “sent me to the laundromat!”
A third adds, “Wait ‘til he finds out about water closets.”
Water closet
According to Mirriam Webster’s Dictionary, “water closet” is a noun that describes “a compartment or room with a toilet” or “a toilet bowl and its accessories.”
Back in the day, when someone would use the bathroom, it was to take a bath. And when a person used a restroom, it was apparently to rest or get ready for the day by using the sink and mirror.
Lastly, if you needed to go potty, you would use the toilet in the water closet. Depending on where you live in the world, the room that holds the porcelain throne goes by various names including the loo, restroom, bathroom, washroom, lavatory or WC.
In modern days, you’ll often see signage indicating WC in public spaces like airports, restaurants, or hotels. It’s just another way of saying “restroom” or “bathroom” but is often associated with a more formal or universal sign in places catering to international travelers.
Previous
Pause
Next
Rewind 10 seconds
Move forward 10 seconds
Unmute
0:05
/
3:02
Full screen
Fathers Day Adoption
History of the WC
Before the 19th century in America, indoor toilets were a luxury, reserved primarily for the wealthy. Most people used outhouses or other outdoor facilities for their sanitary needs. While homes often had “bathrooms” for bathing, these rooms typically didn’t include toilets. The widespread installation of indoor plumbing began in the late 19th century, with the advent of the water closet by 1890. These rooms housed the toilet separately from bathing spaces.
It wasn’t until the early 20th century that the modern bathroom, combining both bathing facilities and toilets into one integrated space, became common.
