Have you ever seen the letters “WC” outside a public bathroom and wondered what they mean? You’re not alone! Many people around the world are curious about the “WC,” which refers to a room with a toilet and a sink.
While we can explain what “WC” stands for, it might not make much more sense than other terms like restroom, bathroom, or loo.
In 2020, a couple named Shelby and Dylan made a TikTok video showing a funny difference between how some Americans and Canadians refer to bathrooms. In the video, Dylan walks by a sign that says “washroom” and asks, “What in the world is a washroom?” He humorously wonders what people are washing in there, adding, “The only thing I wash in there is my hands.” Off-camera, Shelby chimes in, asking, “Do you rest in a restroom?”
It’s interesting to see how different cultures use different terms for the same place!
“That’s a good point. None of these terms make much sense,” Dylan says in the video.
Many people joined the conversation online, sharing their thoughts about what they call this important room.
One user commented, “It’s called a bathroom, restroom, washroom, and toilet.”
Another follower shared a funny story from Disneyland, saying they “asked for the washroom” and ended up being sent to the laundromat instead!
A third user joked, “Wait until he finds out about water closets.”
**Water Closet**
According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, a “water closet” is a term used to describe “a room with a toilet” or “a toilet bowl and its accessories.”
Long ago, when people talked about using the bathroom, it often meant taking a bath. The term “restroom” suggested a place to rest or get ready by using the sink and mirror.
Lastly, if you needed to go potty, you would use the toilet in the water closet. Depending on where you are in the world, this room is called many different names, including loo, restroom, bathroom, washroom, lavatory, or WC.
In modern times, you will often see signs that say “WC” in public places like airports, restaurants, or hotels. This is just another way to say “restroom” or “bathroom,” but it is usually seen as a more formal or international sign for places that welcome travelers from different countries.
**History of the WC**
Before the 19th century in America, having an indoor toilet was a luxury only for wealthy people. Most people used outhouses or outdoor toilets. While many homes had “bathrooms” for taking baths, these rooms usually didn’t have toilets. The installation of indoor plumbing started to become common in the late 1800s, leading to the creation of the water closet by 1890. These early water closets had toilets that were separate from bathing areas.
It wasn’t until the early 20th century that bathrooms began to combine both bathing areas and toilets into one room. This design helped save space and made plumbing simpler, but it also reduced privacy, especially when multiple people were using the bathroom.
Over time, the term “water closet” changed to refer to a small, private room within a larger bathroom that was used only for the toilet. These water closets often have a small sink for handwashing, making them convenient and self-contained.
To understand the term “water closet,” many people shared their thoughts on Reddit in a post titled, “Why is a public WC called bathroom if there is [no] bath?”
In response, one Reddit user pointed out, “Americans might ask: ‘Why is it called a WC (water closet) if it isn’t even a closet?” This user explained that in the U.S., “bathroom” or “restroom” is the common way to refer to a “room with a toilet.” Other countries use different terms, like “WC,” “lavatory,” or “loo.”
Another user mentioned that in Russian, the term translates to “a room without windows,” even if there is a window. A third user shared that in Esperanto, it’s called “necesejo,” meaning “necessary place.”
Other Reddit users talked about the differences between “washroom,” “bathroom,” and “restroom.” One commenter noted, “Canada famously uses ‘washroom,’” while another clarified that in the Midwest, “washroom” is also common, but “bathroom” and “restroom” are used more frequently.
One user humorously stated, “Best one, I think. You should be washing in there… not resting.”
What do you think about the term WC? What do you call the room that has a toilet? We would love to hear your opinions, so please share your thoughts!
Katy Perry’s Top Broke on the Show, and Some Viewers Got Mad With Her
During a contestant’s performance on American Idol, Katy Perry‘s silver sculptural crop top became unfastened at the back. The moment went viral, however, some people got angry by this situation.
Katy Perry had to quickly take cover when she experienced a wardrobe malfunction live on American Idol.
The 39-year-old took refuge behind her desk when a large piece of her top broke off during Roman Collins’ performance. Host Ryan Seacrest humorously warned, “Katy, don’t cut yourself!”
Katy was wearing a metallic outfit with sharp edges at the time. In response to the incident, she exclaimed, “I need my top to stay on! If it’s not fixed, this show is going to get more than it wanted.”
Thankfully, with some assistance from the show’s production team, Katy was able to compose herself after initially shielding her modesty with a cushion. After Roman sang “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” by James Brown, she humorously commented, “That song… um… broke my top off… I guess it is a woman’s world!”
Her fellow judge Luke Bryan chimed in, “Ratings, ratings, ratings! Here come the ratings!” Katy quipped, “It’s a family show!”
Luke then praised Roman, “You literally have the ability to blow the roof off the place.” Adding to the humor, Katy remarked, “Or a top!”
Several commenters on Perry’s Instagram expressed annoyance about the incident, attributing it to the impractical outfit she chose to wear.
“Maybe don’t wear a ship anchor to a TV show,” one commenter suggested.
“Maybe try wearing proper clothes rather than dressing as the tin man!?” another recommended.
“Ahhh, the joys of wearing stupid clothes,” remarked another.
Recently Katy made another headline with her fashion choice. The star wore a revealing outfit that showcased her new lower back ’tattoo’.
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