Meaning behind the ‘WC’ sign outside bathrooms

Have you ever stopped to think about what “WC” stands for on public restroom signs?

If yes, you’re not the only one. People everywhere are curious about the meaning of WC, which refers to a place with a toilet and sink.

Even after we explain it, the term might not feel any clearer than restroom, bathroom, or loo.

In 2020, a TikTok video by Shelby and Dylan highlighted a difference in how Americans and Canadians refer to these spaces.

“What even is a restroom?” Dylan asks as he walks past a “washroom” sign.

He adds, “What are they washing in there? It’s a bathroom, right? I just wash my hands in there.”

@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 ♬ original sound – Shelby & Dylan

Off-camera, Shelby asks, “Do you rest in a restroom?”

Dylan replies, “You’ve got a point. Neither name makes much sense.”

Online, people joined the discussion in the comments, sharing their thoughts about what this space should be called.

One person wrote, “It’s a bathroom, restroom, washroom, or toilet.”

Another mentioned being sent to a laundromat after asking for the washroom at Disneyland.

A third commenter joked, “Wait until he learns about water closets.”

What is a water closet?

According to Merriam-Webster, a “water closet” is a small room or space with a toilet or just the toilet itself and its fixtures.

Historically, bathrooms were primarily used for bathing. People also used them to rest, get ready, or freshen up with a sink and mirror.

If someone needed a toilet, they’d use the water closet.

Depending on location, the room with the toilet has many names: loo, restroom, bathroom, washroom, lavatory, or WC.

Today, signs with “WC” are common in public places like restaurants, airports, and hotels. It’s just another word for restroom or bathroom, often used for international travelers or in formal settings.

The history of the WC

In pre-19th century America, indoor toilets were rare luxuries for the wealthy. Most people used outdoor facilities for hygiene. Bathrooms in homes were mainly for bathing and didn’t usually include toilets.

In 1890, the water closet was introduced, leading to the rise of indoor plumbing. Early water closets separated toilets from bathing spaces.

Modern bathrooms, combining toilets and bathing areas, became popular in the early 20th century. This design saved space and simplified plumbing but reduced privacy, especially in shared spaces.

Over time, “water closet” came to mean a small room within a bathroom meant only for the toilet. These spaces often include a tiny sink for handwashing, making them private and practical.

Online debates about WC and bathrooms

On Reddit, users discussed the term in a post titled, “Why is a public WC called a bathroom if there’s no bath?”

One user pointed out, “Americans could ask why it’s called a WC (water closet) if it’s not a closet.” They added, “In the U.S., bathroom or restroom is preferred for a room with a toilet, while other places use WC, lavatory, or loo.”

Someone shared that in Esperanto, it’s called the “necessary place.” Another said, “In Russian, it’s called ‘a room without windows,’ even if it has one.”

Others debated restroom versus bathroom. A commenter from the Midwest noted, “Washroom is common here,” while another mentioned, “Canada is known for saying washroom.” Still, restroom and bathroom are more widely used.

One user joked, “You’re supposed to wash in there, not sleep.”

What’s your term for the place with a toilet? Share this story and let others know what you think!