If you’ve ever traveled abroad—or even just walked into a slightly older public restroom—you might have seen a sign reading “WC” outside the door. And if you’re American, there’s a good chance you paused for a moment, wondering, What does that even mean? You’re definitely not alone.

The letters “WC” are short for “Water Closet,” a term that dates back to the 19th century. While it might sound fancy or even a little confusing, it’s actually just an old-school way of saying “toilet.” But there’s a bit more history behind this term than meets the eye.

From Privy to Plumbing: A Brief History of the WC

Long before modern plumbing, people relied on outhouses and chamber pots—neither of which involved running water. When indoor plumbing started to become a household luxury in the 1800s, the introduction of toilets connected to a water source was revolutionary. To differentiate these new facilities from their less hygienic predecessors, they were called “water closets.”

Originally, a “closet” was simply a small, private room. So a “water closet” was a small private room with a flushing toilet. The term made perfect sense at the time. Eventually, it was shortened to just “WC,” and signs bearing those two letters started popping up around Europe—and eventually the world—as the standard shorthand for restroom.

Still Popular Around the World

Though the phrase “water closet” is mostly outdated in American English, the “WC” abbreviation is still used internationally. You’ll commonly see it in Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa—on restroom doors, highway rest stops, airports, and restaurants. In fact, in many places around the globe, WC is considered more polite or formal than just “toilet.”

Meanwhile, in the United States, terms like “bathroom,” “restroom,” and even “ladies’ room” or “men’s room” are more common. Americans typically reserve “bathroom” for both public and private facilities, even if there’s no actual bathtub involved—something that sometimes confuses travelers from other countries.

The Washroom Confusion

A viral TikTok video posted by a couple named Shelby and Dylan in 2020 perfectly captured this cultural language divide. In the clip, Dylan—clearly baffled—asks, “What in the world is a washroom?” as he walks past a sign. Canadians often use “washroom” in place of “restroom” or “bathroom,” and it’s widely accepted across the country.

To Americans, “washroom” might sound more like a place for laundry than a toilet. But it’s just another regional variation in how we talk about the same basic human need.

Other International Variants

Traveling around the world reveals just how many ways there are to name a restroom. In the UK, “loo” is the go-to term. Australians and New Zealanders commonly say “toilet,” which may sound blunt to American ears but is perfectly normal there. In France, it’s “les toilettes,” while in Germany, you’ll often see signs for “WC” or “Toilette.”

And then there’s Japan, where high-tech toilets come with buttons, music, heated seats, and even motion sensors—making the language barrier feel like the least of your worries!

So… Should Americans Start Saying WC?

Probably not. In the U.S., “WC” would likely get more confused stares than nods of recognition. But that doesn’t mean we can’t appreciate the charm and practicality of the term. It’s a little piece of history that stuck—and a reminder that language is always evolving.

Next time you see a “WC” sign while traveling, you’ll know exactly what it means—and you might even smile at how something as simple as going to the bathroom can carry so much global and historical context.