Have you ever seen the letters «WC» outside a public restroom and wondered what they mean?

If so, you’re not alone. People worldwide often find themselves curious about the term “WC,” which generally refers to a room containing a toilet and a sink.

While we’ll explain the origin of WC, we can’t guarantee it’ll make any more sense than «bathroom,» «restroom,» or «loo.»

In 2020, a couple named Shelby and Dylan shared a TikTok video highlighting a curious difference in bathroom terminology between some Americans and Canadians.

“What is a washroom?” Dylan asks, pointing to a sign marked “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 asks, “Do you rest in a restroom?”

«Good point,» Dylan responds. «Neither term makes much sense.»

Commenters quickly joined the conversation, sharing their preferred names for the space.

“It’s called a bathroom, restroom, washroom, and toilet,” wrote one user.

Another recalled asking for a “washroom” at Disneyland only to be directed to a laundromat.

According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, “water closet” refers to “a compartment or room with a toilet” or simply “a toilet bowl and its accessories.”

Historically, when people “used the bathroom,” it was for bathing, and “restrooms” were more about freshening up or relaxing, perhaps using a sink and mirror.

If someone needed a toilet, they’d often head to a water closet.

Depending on where you are in the world, this space may be called the loo, restroom, washroom, lavatory, or WC.

In many public spaces today, like airports and hotels, signs often indicate “WC,” which serves as an internationally recognized symbol for a restroom.

History of the WC

Prior to the 19th century in America, only the wealthy had indoor toilets, while most people used outhouses. Indoor plumbing gained popularity in the late 1800s, and by 1890, the “water closet” became a designated toilet room.

By the early 20th century, homes combined bathing areas and toilets in a single room, known as a bathroom. While this made efficient use of space, it also reduced privacy in shared spaces.

Over time, “water closet” came to refer specifically to a small room within a bathroom, dedicated solely to the toilet and often including a small sink.

Attempting to unravel the mystery of the term, Reddit users shared opinions in a post titled, “Why is a public WC called a bathroom if there’s no bath?”

One user responded, “Americans might ask: ‘Why is it called a WC (water closet) if it isn’t a closet?’” explaining that terms like “bathroom” and “restroom” are popular euphemisms for rooms with toilets in the U.S., while “WC,” “lavatory,” and “loo” are used in other regions.

Another added, “In Russia, it’s known as ‘a room without windows,’ even if it has a window.” A third user explained that in Esperanto, it’s called «necesejo,» which translates to “necessary place.”

Other users weighed in on “washroom” versus “bathroom” and “restroom.”

One commenter noted, “Canada famously uses ‘washroom,’” while another mentioned that it’s also common in the Midwest.

What’s your take on WC? Which term do you use for the room with a toilet? Please share your thoughts, and pass along this story to hear others’ views!