The Meaning Behind the ‘WC’ Sign: A Journey Through Bathroom Terminology
Have you ever noticed the letters WC outside a public restroom and wondered what they stand for? You’re not alone—people across the globe often puzzle over this cryptic abbreviation.
The Mystery of WC
Simply put, WC stands for water closet, a term historically used to describe a small room containing a toilet and sometimes a sink. While this might clarify the letters, it doesn’t exactly make the term feel more logical—similar to how “restroom,” “bathroom,” or “loo” can seem perplexing in their own right.
In 2020, a TikTok video featuring a couple named Shelby and Dylan hilariously highlighted the differences in bathroom terminology between Americans and Canadians. Walking past a sign reading washroom, Dylan quipped:
“What in the world is a washroom? And what are they washing in there? Oh, it’s a restroom. The only thing I wash in there is my hands.”
Shelby, off-camera, cheekily countered, “Do you rest in a restroom?”—to which Dylan admitted: “Good point. They both don’t make much sense.”
The video sparked a lively online debate about what to call the sacred space. Some commenters preferred “bathroom,” while others leaned toward “toilet,” “washroom,” or “restroom.”
One person humorously recounted a Disneyland visit where asking for the washroom led them to the laundromat. Another chimed in with, “Wait until he finds out about water closets.”
What Is a Water Closet?
According to Merriam-Webster, a water closet refers to “a compartment or room with a toilet” or “a toilet bowl and its accessories.”
Historically, the term reflects a time when specific rooms served distinct purposes. Bathrooms were for bathing, restrooms for resting or grooming, and the water closet for, well, using the toilet. As indoor plumbing became more common in the late 19th century, these spaces gradually merged into the modern bathroom we know today.
The water closet, however, often remained a separate, enclosed room in some homes and public spaces, particularly in Europe and international facilities. You’ll frequently spot the abbreviation WC in airports, hotels, or restaurants, catering to a globally diverse audience.
WC Across Cultures
Online forums like Reddit often dive into the quirks of global bathroom terminology. One post posed the question, Why is a public WC called a bathroom if there’s no bath?
A user responded:
“Americans might ask, ‘Why is it called a WC if it isn’t even a closet?’”
Others shared cultural takes:
- In Russian, it’s referred to as a room without windows, even if there’s a window.
- In Esperanto, it’s necesejo, meaning “necessary place.”
- Canadians frequently use washroom, which is also popular in parts of the U.S. Midwest.
Restroom vs. Bathroom vs. Washroom
The terminology debate continues, with many feeling washroom is the most logical since washing happens there. Meanwhile, terms like restroom or bathroom remain euphemisms.
One Redditor summed it up best:
“Best one, I think. You should be washing in there—not resting.”
What Do You Call It?
Whether you say WC, restroom, bathroom, toilet, or washroom, everyone has a favorite term. What’s yours? Share your thoughts, and don’t forget to spread this story to find out what others think!
Man Spends $70K To Tattoo His Full Body And Eyeballs, Reveals What He Looked Like Before
In an astonishing testament to his unique spirit, Quest Gulliford, a TikTok sensation known for his resilience as a cancer survivor and adorned with a vast array of tattoos, is capturing attention with his latest viral video. Not only does he reveal his intricate full-body artwork, but he also showcases his bold choice of dyeing his eyes.
Having triumphed over Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Gulliford has poured a staggering $70,000 into his tattoo collection since embarking on his inked odyssey in 2009. His recent TikTok post provides an immersive glimpse into his journey, particularly highlighting the intense mental preparation required for undergoing eyeball tattooing.
Reflecting on the risks involved, Gulliford emphasized: “It was a gamble, but one that I had been longing for… and I’m still absolutely delighted with the outcome three years down the line”.
His dedication to his distinctive mode of self-representation surpasses the $70,000 mark, with an eye-popping $10,000 designated solely for the metamorphosis of his gaze.
Recalling the mental endurance needed during the eyeball tattoo session in Houston, Texas, Gulliford confessed: “It was quite the internal battle, even after stepping foot into the studio, to muster the courage to proceed”. This nonconformist process entails a needle traversing all angles of the eyeball, resembling more of an alteration or enhancement than a conventional skin-deep tattoo.
In an unexpected development, Gulliford unveiled his intention to revisit the same tattoo artist next month, signaling his unwavering dedication to exploring the boundaries of self-expression.
Amidst the intricate tapestry of ink decorating his body, Gulliford proudly bears symbols of his victorious battle against cancer. From the inaugural tattoo, a cross etched on his chest bearing the inscription ‘God First’, to a poignant purple ribbon commemorating his seventh-grade confrontation with Hodgkins Lymphoma, each design narrates a tale of resilience.
Reflecting on the health journey that inspired his tattoos, Gulliford recounted: “I noticed a sizable lymph node… I didn’t think much of it. It led to about six months of chemotherapy. After that, I felt like I possessed superhuman strength”.
During a candid conversation with Inked magazine in 2019, Gulliford shared his venture into facial tattoos, a decision made at the tender age of 18, much to his mother’s initial dismay. Though she gradually came to terms with smaller facial inkings, the prospect of larger designs on a more prominent canvas sparked her concerns, leading to interventions at tattoo parlors in hopes of dissuading artists from executing extensive facial artwork.
Quest Gulliford’s unabashed odyssey of self-expression, forged through trials and tribulations, continues to enthrall audiences, underscoring the notion that sometimes, the most extraordinary tales find their canvas on our skin.
Leave a Reply