Ever wondered what the letters WC outside a public bathroom mean? You’re not alone. WC stands for “water closet,” a term used for a room with a toilet. While we’ll explain the term, it may not make more sense than “restroom” or “bathroom.”
In 2020, Shelby and Dylan shared a TikTok where Dylan humorously questioned the term “washroom,” comparing it to “restroom.” People online chimed in with their preferences: bathroom, washroom, loo, or toilet.
The term “water closet” originated to describe a room with a toilet, separate from bathing areas. Today, it’s commonly seen on public signs worldwide, especially in places with international visitors.
Historically, indoor toilets were a luxury until the late 19th century. The water closet, introduced around 1890, housed the toilet separately from the bath. Over time, the term evolved, and modern bathrooms combined both features. Water closets are now smaller, dedicated spaces for toilets, often with a handwashing sink.
On Reddit, users discussed the confusion over terms like WC, washroom, and restroom. Some pointed out regional preferences, like Canada’s use of “washroom” and the midwestern U.S.’s common use of “washroom” as well.
What do you call the room with a toilet? Share your thoughts and pass this story along!