Have you ever noticed the letters “WC” posted outside a public bathroom and wondered what it means?

You’re not alone! Many people around the world have pondered the mystery behind the “WC” symbol, which marks a room containing a toilet and sink. While the term might not clarify much more than other terms like “restroom” or “bathroom,” it still sparks curiosity.

In 2020, a couple named Shelby and Dylan shared a TikTok video that highlighted a funny difference between how Americans and Canadians approach bathroom terminology. Dylan, in the video, asked, “What in the world is a washroom?” while walking past a sign that read “washroom.”

“What are they washing in there? Oh, it’s a restroom. The only thing I wash in there is my hands,” he joked. Shelby, off-camera, humorously asked, “Do you rest in a restroom?”

The exchange got people talking, with many commenting on the terms they prefer. One user shared, “It’s called a bathroom, restroom, washroom, and toilet.” Another chimed in with a story about asking for a washroom at Disneyland, only to be directed to the laundromat. A third user added, “Wait ‘til he finds out about water closets.”

Water Closet Explained
According to Merriam-Webster, “water closet” (WC) is a noun describing “a compartment or room with a toilet,” or simply, “a toilet bowl and its accessories.”

Historically, the term “bathroom” referred to a space for bathing, and the “restroom” was a place to rest or get ready for the day using a sink and mirror. If you needed to use the toilet, that’s where the term “water closet” came in. Depending on the region, the space with the toilet can be known by various names, including “loo,” “restroom,” “bathroom,” “washroom,” “lavatory,” or simply “WC.”

In public spaces like airports, hotels, and restaurants, the “WC” sign is often used as a more formal or universal way of denoting bathrooms, especially in places that cater to international travelers. This terminology helps bridge cultural and linguistic differences when travelers need to locate the nearest restroom.

History of the Water Closet
Before the 19th century, indoor plumbing was a luxury. Only the wealthy could afford indoor toilets, while the majority of people relied on outhouses or other outdoor sanitation facilities. “Bathrooms” in homes typically referred only to rooms for bathing and didn’t necessarily include toilets.

The invention and widespread installation of indoor plumbing, including the development of the water closet, became more common by the late 1800s. A water closet was a small, separate room with just a toilet, distinct from spaces designated for bathing. This marked a shift from the previous arrangement, where toilets were located in different parts of the house or outdoors.

It wasn’t until the early 20th century that the modern bathroom, with both a toilet and a bathtub or shower combined into one room, became the standard. While this arrangement was practical for saving space and simplifying plumbing, it did reduce privacy, especially in shared living environments.

As a result, the term “water closet” evolved into a reference for a small, enclosed room within a larger bathroom, dedicated solely to the toilet. These water closets often included a small sink for handwashing, making them both convenient and self-contained.

Why the Confusion?
To understand the ongoing confusion around terms like “water closet,” online discussions have delved into the issue. On Reddit, users have shared their thoughts on why public restrooms are called “bathrooms” even though there’s no bath involved. One Redditor quipped, “Americans might ask, ‘Why is it called a WC (water closet) if it isn’t even a closet?’” They went on to explain that terms like “bathroom” or “restroom” are commonly used in the US, while places outside North America often use WC, “lavatory,” “loo,” and others.

One Redditor, who spoke from personal experience, shared that in Russia, a restroom is humorously referred to as “a room without windows,” even if there is indeed a window present. Another noted that in Esperanto, the term for a bathroom is “necesejo,” which translates to “necessary place.”

As expected, people from different regions have varying preferences for what to call the bathroom. A Canadian Redditor mentioned that “washroom” is commonly used in their country, while another clarified that in the Midwest, “washroom” is also heard fairly often. But overall, “bathroom” and “restroom” are the most widely used terms.

And for some, the term “washroom” just makes more sense. “Best one, I think. You should be washing in there,” one user joked. “Not resting.”

Conclusion
So, whether it’s called a “WC,” “bathroom,” “restroom,” or “washroom,” it all comes down to regional preferences and history. The term “water closet” stems from a time when toilets were separated from bathing areas, but as plumbing evolved, the space for both functions merged. Today, we have many different ways of referring to these essential spaces, but at the end of the day, they all serve the same purpose.

Next time you’re looking for the nearest restroom, washroom, or WC, you’ll have a bit more insight into the history behind the sign!