Meaning behind the ‘WC’ sign outside bathrooms

Have you ever come across the letters “WC” posted outside a public bathroom and wondered what it stands for? You’re not alone. People around the world have been trying to unravel the mystery of this term, which identifies a room containing a toilet and a sink.

While we’ll explain what WC means, don’t expect it to make any more sense than terms like restroom, bathroom, or loo.

In 2020, a couple named Shelby and Dylan shared a TikTok video highlighting a major difference in how some Americans and Canadians refer to bathrooms.

“What in the world is a washroom?” Dylan asks, as he walks past a sign that says “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 can be heard asking: “Do you rest in a restroom?”

“That’s a good point. They both don’t make much sense,” Dylan adds.

Online users jumped into the comments section to share their preferred terms for this essential room. “It’s called a bathroom, restroom, washroom, and toilet,” said one user.

Another user shared their Disneyland experience: “I asked for the washroom, and they sent me to the laundromat!”

A third user quipped, “Wait ‘til he finds out about water closets.”

What is a Water Closet?

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

Historically, when someone used the bathroom, it was for taking a bath. The term “restroom” referred to a place to rest or get ready for the day using a sink and mirror. If you needed to use the toilet, you would go to the water closet. Depending on where you are in the world, the room housing the toilet is known by various names including the loo, restroom, bathroom, washroom, lavatory, or WC.

In modern times, you’ll often see signage indicating WC in public spaces like airports, restaurants, or hotels. It’s just another way of saying “restroom” or “bathroom” but is often associated with a more formal or universal sign in places catering to international travelers.

History of the WC

Before the 19th century in America, indoor toilets were a luxury reserved primarily for the wealthy. Most people used outhouses or other outdoor facilities for their sanitary needs. While homes often had “bathrooms” for bathing, these rooms typically didn’t include toilets. The widespread installation of indoor plumbing began in the late 19th century with the advent of the water closet around 1890. These rooms housed the toilet separately from bathing spaces.

It wasn’t until the early 20th century that the modern bathroom, combining both bathing facilities and toilets into one integrated space, became common.

Combining toilets and bathtubs in the same room was a practical solution for saving space and simplifying plumbing, but it did reduce privacy, especially in shared spaces.

Since then, the term “water closet” has evolved to refer to a small, enclosed room within a larger bathroom, dedicated solely to the toilet. These water closets often include a small sink for handwashing, making them self-contained and convenient.

Demystifying the WC

Online users have shared their opinions on Reddit in a post called, “Why is a public WC called a bathroom if there is no bath?”

One Redditor responded, “Americans might similarly ask: ‘Why is it called a WC (water closet) if it isn’t even a closet?’ The comment continues to explain that a ‘bathroom’ or ‘restroom’ is the preferred US euphemism for ‘room with toilet,’ whereas other places use ‘WC,’ ‘lavatory,’ ‘loo,’ etc.”

Another user added, “In Russian, it’s ‘a room without windows,’ even if there actually is a window.” Another shared, “In Esperanto, it’s ‘necesejo,’ or ‘necessary place.’”

Meanwhile, other Redditors discussed the use of washroom versus bathroom and restroom.

“Canada famously uses washroom,” said one netizen. Another clarified, “I’m from the Midwest, and washroom is fairly common here. Bathroom or restroom are probably used the most though.”

“Best one, I think. You should be washing in there,” added another user. “…not resting.”

What are your thoughts on WC and what term do you use for the room that holds a toilet? Please share your thoughts with us and share this story so we can hear from others!