Have you ever wondered what the initials “WC” mean when you see them outside a public restroom? If you have, you’re definitely not alone! People all around the world have been trying to figure out the mystery behind this symbol, which actually stands for a room with a sink and a toilet.
But before you get your hopes up, we have to tell you upfront: even though we’re about to explain what “WC” stands for, it may not make much more sense than the words “restroom,” “bathroom,” or “loo.” After all, these terms can be just as puzzling in their own right!
In 2020, a TikTok video posted by Shelby and Dylan revealed just how different Americans and Canadians are when it comes to the language of bathrooms. Dylan, clearly confused by the “washroom” sign, turns to Shelby and says, “What on earth is a restroom?” As he passes the sign, he jokingly adds, “And what are they cleaning in there? It’s a bathroom, I see. I only wash my hands in there.”
Off-camera, Shelby asks, “Do you rest in a restroom?” Dylan laughs and agrees, “You make a valid point. Neither of them makes much sense.”
This light-hearted moment led to a flood of comments from users online, each sharing their own opinions about what this space should really be called. One person commented, “It’s called a bathroom, restroom, washroom, and toilet.”
Another person humorously recalled an experience: “I asked for the washroom, and they sent me to the laundromat at Disneyland!” A third person chimed in with a funny prediction: “Wait ‘til he finds out about water closets!”
What is a Water Closet?
So, what is a water closet, and why does it exist? Merriam-Webster defines a “water closet” as “a compartment or room with a toilet” or simply “a toilet bowl and its accessories.”
The history behind this term is fascinating! In the past, bathrooms were mainly used for bathing, and it seems people used the restroom to rest or prepare for the day, using the sink and mirror. The actual toilet was often reserved for its main purpose—going potty!
The room with the “porcelain throne” has been called many things over the years, depending on where you live. People use names like “loo,” “restroom,” “bathroom,” “washroom,” “lavatory,” or “WC.” Today, you’ll often see the WC sign in public spaces like hotels, airports, and restaurants.
It’s just another way of saying “bathroom” or “restroom,” but it’s particularly common in places that serve international tourists because it’s seen as more official or global.
The WC’s History
Before the 19th century, indoor toilets were a luxury. Only the wealthy had them, and most people had to use outhouses or other outdoor facilities. Though “bathrooms” existed in homes, they were usually reserved for bathing—not for toilets. It wasn’t until around 1890 that the water closet made its way into homes, marking the beginning of indoor plumbing as we know it today.
The toilet and bathing areas were usually kept separate in these early water closets, which were small rooms with a toilet and sometimes a sink. The modern bathroom, which combines both bathing and toilet facilities in one space, didn’t really become widespread until the early 20th century.
As time went on, the “water closet” came to refer to a smaller, private space within a larger bathroom. These days, a water closet is often a little, enclosed room with just the toilet and sometimes a tiny sink for handwashing.
The Debate About Bathroom Names
On Reddit, people have been discussing why the term “water closet” is used in some places and why it seems confusing. In one Reddit thread titled, “Why is a public WC called bathroom if there is no bath?” people shared their thoughts and tried to figure it out.
One Redditor pointed out, “Americans might similarly ask: ‘Why is it called a WC (water closet) if it isn’t even a closet?’” Another user explained, “In the U.S., ‘bathroom’ or ‘restroom’ is the preferred term for a ‘room with a toilet,’ whereas other places use terms like WC, lavatory, loo, etc.”
Other Redditors had some interesting answers too. One person shared, “In Esperanto, it’s called ‘necessario,’ or ‘necessary place,’” while another added, “In Russian, it’s ‘a room without windows,’ even if there is a window.”
But the best comment might be from someone who said, “You should be washing in there… not sleeping!” Another Redditor added, “In the Midwest, ‘washroom’ is pretty common, but ‘restroom’ and ‘bathroom’ are the most widely used terms.”
Conclusion: The Mystery of the WC
So, what have we learned from all this bathroom talk? It’s clear that while we may never fully understand the origin of all these terms, we can appreciate the fact that there’s a huge variety of ways to refer to that space we all use every day.
Whether it’s called a WC, a bathroom, a restroom, or something else entirely, one thing is certain: we all need it. And no matter what you call it, we can all agree that the “water closet” remains one of the most mysterious and intriguing parts of our daily lives!
What do you think about all these different names for the bathroom? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
