Have you ever spotted the letters ‘WC’ outside a public bathroom and wondered what they actually stand for?
If so, you’re definitely not alone. People around the world have scratched their heads over this little mystery, as the sign marks a space containing a toilet and a sink — just like a restroom, bathroom, or loo.
And while we’ll happily explain what ‘WC’ means, we can’t promise it’ll make any more sense than the other quirky names people use for the same thing.
Back in 2020, a couple named Shelby and Dylan shared a TikTok video that highlighted just how differently Americans and Canadians talk about, well… doing their business.
“What in the world is a washroom?” Dylan asks as he walks past a sign with the word.
“And what are they washing in there? Oh, it’s a restroom. The only thing I wash in there is my hands,” he jokes to his wife. Off-camera, Shelby fires back: “Do you rest in a restroom?”
@shelbanddyl I didn’t know he had Canadian roots 🤣 We got to ride a horse trolley and loved it! We can’t wait to come back and do a lot more! ❤️#shelbanddyl #husbandreacts #canada #couples #relationships
“That’s a good point. Neither of them really make much sense,” Dylan adds.
Meanwhile, online users flooded the comments, sharing their own thoughts on what they prefer to call the sacred room. “It’s a bathroom, restroom, washroom, and toilet,” one user chimes in.
Another follower recalls a funny moment from their Disneyland visit: “I asked for the washroom, and they sent me to the laundromat!”
A third user couldn’t resist adding, “Wait until he finds out about water closets!”
Water closet
According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, a “water closet” is a noun that refers to “a compartment or room with a toilet” or “a toilet bowl and its accessories.”
In the past, when someone “used the bathroom,” they were likely taking a bath. Similarly, a “restroom” was originally a place to rest or prepare for the day using a sink and mirror.
As for the toilet itself, it was typically found in the “water closet.” Depending on where you are in the world, this space might go by different names, such as the loo, restroom, bathroom, washroom, lavatory, or WC.
In modern times, you’ll often spot WC signs in public spaces like airports, restaurants, or hotels. It’s essentially another way of saying “restroom” or “bathroom,” but is often used as a more formal or universally recognized sign, particularly in places catering to international visitors.
History of the WC
Before the 19th century in America, indoor toilets were rare and mostly for rich people. Most people used outhouses or outdoor toilets. While homes had “bathrooms” for taking baths, these rooms didn’t usually have toilets. Indoor plumbing became more common in the late 19th century, and by 1890, the “water closet” was introduced. These rooms kept the toilet separate from the bathing area.
It wasn’t until the early 20th century that bathrooms, combining both toilets and bathtubs in one room, became common.
Although this setup helped save space and made plumbing easier, it also meant less privacy, especially in shared bathrooms.
Over time, the term “water closet” came to mean a small, enclosed room just for the toilet. These rooms often have a small sink for washing hands, making them simple and convenient.
Trying to understand the water closet, people shared their thoughts on Reddit in a post called, “Why is a public WC called a bathroom if there is no bath?”
One Reddit user responded, “Americans might ask, ‘Why is it called a WC (water closet) if it isn’t even a closet?’” They explained that in the U.S., “bathroom” or “restroom” is the common way to say “room with a toilet,” while other places use words like “WC,” “lavatory,” or “loo.”
Another user shared, “In Russian, it’s called ‘a room without windows,’ even if there’s a window,” and a third added, “In Esperanto, it’s called ‘necesejo,’ which means ‘necessary place.’”
Other Reddit users talked about the differences between washroom, bathroom, and restroom.
“Canada calls it a washroom,” said one person, while another mentioned, “In the Midwest, washroom is common, but bathroom or restroom are used the most.”
“Best one, I think. You should be washing in there,” added another. “…not resting.”
What do you think of the term WC, and what do you call the room with a toilet? Share your thoughts with us, and then share this story so we can hear what others think too!
