In America, we generally call the place where we attend to our business a ‘bathroom’ or, if you’re in a public space, a ‘restroom.’ But have you ever noticed the letters “WC” on certain doors? If you’ve ever wondered what it stands for, you’re not alone. It turns out that “WC” is short for “water closet,” and its origins might surprise you.
The Meaning Behind “WC”
So, what exactly is a water closet? Historically, the term was used to describe a small, enclosed space in homes where people could use the toilet. In earlier times, bathrooms were actually for bathing, while restrooms were places to freshen up or take a break. If you needed to relieve yourself, you would head to the water closet, where the toilet was located.
For many people, including those on social media, this revelation about “WC” is mind-blowing. One person commented, “What do you mean WC stands for water closet?” while another admitted, “I was 23 years old when I learned that WC is called water closet.” At least you’re not 27, right?
A Look at Bathroom Terminology
While most Americans stick to ‘bathroom’ or ‘restroom,’ the term “water closet” is still seen in many parts of the world, especially in Europe. However, it’s rare for anyone to actually use the term out loud. One person online shared their experience, saying, “I call MINE a bathroom. I call the ones in public, restrooms. I know what a water closet is, but don’t use it (don’t use the word – do use the WC).”
In our everyday language, the variety of terms for the place we use to handle personal business is pretty wide. Loo, toilet, restroom, bathroom, bog—there’s no shortage of slang for this private sanctuary. And yet, the term WC somehow feels a bit old-fashioned and mysterious.
The Unwritten Urinal Rule Every Guy Knows
Speaking of bathroom etiquette, have you ever noticed there’s an unspoken rule for men when it comes to public urinals? Freddy Quinne, a stand-up comedian, shared this unwritten rule in a viral TikTok video, and it’s something that “every guy knows.”
Freddy explains that when you walk into a public bathroom and there are multiple empty urinals, the only acceptable choices are either the far-left one or the far-right one. “So you’ve got five urinals in a row here and the rule is, if you go in and every single one is empty, then you take urinal number one [far left] or urinal number five [far right],” he says.
If those two are occupied, you then choose urinal number three—the middle one. “The reason for that is simple,” Freddy explains. “You leave a space between yourself and the other person because it’s weird to stand right next to someone when you don’t have to.”
According to Freddy, the only time you would use urinals two or four is if the others are already occupied. “There’s no other reason for using them… ever.”
WC: The Term Nobody Uses
Although we see “WC” on many bathroom doors, most people don’t actually use the term in daily conversation. It’s a relic of a time when homes had separate rooms for bathing, resting, and using the toilet. Today, these spaces have evolved, but the terminology remains in some places as a nod to the past.
So, next time you see “WC” on a door, you’ll know it’s more than just a random set of letters—it’s a bit of bathroom history that’s still hanging around.
