How the ‘WC’ Sign Reflects Cultural Differences Around the World

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!

The Superstar Asks A Little Girl To Sing “You Raise Me Up”. Seconds Later, I Can’t Believe My Eyes

The iconic performer’s audacious leap of faith will go down in Entertainment History books.

All eyes were on the star in the limelight as the stage was prepared and the audience buzzed with excitement.

The superstar decided to share the spotlight with a naive, innocent little girl, and it was worth it!

The superstar reached out a welcoming hand to the young prodigy, whose pure charisma was ready to electrify the whole stadium, and a smile spread across their face as they did so.

With a mix of anticipation and anxiety, the girl cautiously made her way to the center of the stage, where soft applause shut the audience’s whispers.

Standing there for a split second, the young girl took in the bizarre reality of the scenario, microphone in hand.
The Celebrity, seeing promise in this modest ability, filled the room with a feeling of unity. The superstar then encouraged the girl to show the world her talent.

All of the hearts in the room were surprised by her voice—her purity and its force. Beaming with delight, the superstar observed as the small child turned the stage into a magical playground.

A symphony of adoration resounded throughout the venue as the once-mute whispers rose to a crescendo of resounding ovation.

The girl’s voice was a surprising emotional power that shocked the crowd and kept their undivided attention. With every second, the small superstar not only met but surpassed every expectation, as each lyric she sung echoed through the hall.

Unexpectedly, the superstars found themselves sharing the limelight not merely as a gesture of kindness but also to recognize a rising star who had recently made her grand entrance into the world of show showbiz.

The audience’s reaction to the sudden display of genius was so moving that the applause eventually rose to a standing ovation.

A young girl, escorted by the famous star, brought the house down in the span of a few minutes, touching the lives of all who were there to hear it.

The remarkable impact of a superstar’s decision to share their stage with an aspiring performer, regardless of their age, was on full display, demonstrating the power of talent to change lives and the beauty of the moment.

Watch the goose bumping video below: