Washrooms around the world are called by many different names. Whether it’s “bathroom,” “restroom,” or the ever-polite “lavatory,” every country seems to have its preferred terminology. One country that boasts a rich variety of names for public toilets is the United Kingdom. Here, you might hear people say “restroom,” “loo,” or even “lav.” However, there’s another term often seen in public spaces that has left many scratching their heads: the WC sign.
Despite the fact that the WC sign has been in use for over a century, many people still don’t know what it stands for. If it wasn’t for a TikTok user who recently enlightened the world, some of us might have never figured it out.
The Revelation Behind the WC Sign
A TikTok video that’s gone viral (with over 3,500 views) has finally shed light on this mysterious sign. In the clip, TikToker @itsnathannyc explains the meaning behind WC, responding to a follower’s inquiry. The answer? WC stands for Water Closet—a term that has been in use since the 19th century.
Before modern indoor plumbing, homes had a separate room for bathing, but the water source was often outside. People would heat water manually and pour it into a bathtub. Once plumbing arrived, there was already a room called the bathroom for bathing, so when it came time to install a toilet, people needed a new term. Thus, the “water closet” (or WC) was born—essentially a small, enclosed space where the toilet was installed, hence the name closet.
A Surprising Revelation
Although the WC sign has been used for nearly 150 years, many people were surprised to learn its true meaning. Comments poured in on TikTok, with many users admitting they had never bothered to look it up. One user said, “I’m glad someone asked because I’ve been wondering about this for years but never googled it.” Another confessed, “Can’t believe I’ve been living with a WC sign and had no idea why it was called WC.”
One of the more humorous reactions came from a person who said, “I was 23 years old when I learned that WC means water closet,” showing that even in adulthood, we can still be surprised by everyday things. Another individual chimed in, “I know what a water closet is, but don’t use the word—just use the WC.”
Knowledge Not as Common as You Think
While some people were shocked by this new knowledge, others expressed surprise that anyone didn’t already know. A few users seemed astonished that people worldwide hadn’t figured it out. “I’ve known this since I was 13,” one person boasted. Another mocked, “Convinced I live in LA because of the common sense levels in the UK—or lack thereof.”
The WC Sign: A Part of History
The WC sign has an interesting history that dates back to the 1870s, when the term “water closet” first emerged in England. This term stuck around and spread across the globe, particularly in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, where public restrooms are often marked with the WC label. While it may seem old-fashioned to some, the term is still widely used, even though the concept of a separate water closet may feel outdated with today’s modern bathrooms.
The next time you’re traveling and see a WC sign, you’ll know exactly what it stands for. It’s a small piece of history that has stood the test of time, and thanks to the power of social media, more people are now aware of its origins.
What’s in a Name?
It’s funny how everyday things like a washroom sign can carry so much history behind them. While some countries prefer terms like “restroom” or “toilet,” others have held on to the more traditional WC designation. So, whether you’ve known it all along or just found out today, WC stands proudly as a nod to the past, reminding us of how far we’ve come with modern plumbing.
Did you already know what WC stood for, or is this news to you? Let us know in the comments!