Have you ever observed the letters WC displayed outside a public restroom and pondered their significance?

If so, you are not alone; individuals worldwide are attempting to decipher the meaning of WC, which denotes a space that includes a toilet and a sink.

While we will provide an explanation of the term WC, we cannot guarantee that it will be any clearer than the terms restroom, bathroom, or loo.

In 2020, a couple named Shelby and Dylan shared a TikTok video highlighting a notable distinction in how some Americans and Canadians refer to their facilities. “What in the world is a washroom?” Dylan questions as he passes a sign that reads “washroom.”

“And what are they washing in there? Oh, it’s a restroom. The only thing I wash in there is my hands,” he responds to his wife.

Off-camera, Shelby can be heard inquiring: “Do you rest in a restroom?”

“That’s a valid point. Neither term makes much sense,” Dylan replies. Online users quickly filled the comments section, sharing their preferred terminology for this essential space.

“It’s called a bathroom, restroom, washroom, and toilet,” one user noted.

Another commenter recounted their experience at Disneyland, stating that when they “asked for the washroom,” they were “sent to the laundromat!”

A third user remarked, “Wait until he discovers water closets.”

According to Merriam-Webster, “water closet” refers to either a small room or compartment containing a toilet or the toilet itself. Historically, “bathrooms” were used for bathing, “restrooms” for resting or freshening up, and “water closets” for relieving oneself. Today, terminology varies across the globe—“loo,” “restroom,” “bathroom,” “washroom,” “lavatory,” and “WC” all refer to the same fundamental facility.

Contemporary signage often employs “WC,” particularly in international contexts such as airports or hotels. Prior to the 19th century in America, only affluent individuals had access to indoor toilets, while the majority relied on outhouses. Over time, advancements in plumbing led to the widespread installation of indoor facilities.