What does “WC” stand for?

In many parts of the world, you might encounter the acronym “WC” when looking for the restroom. But what does it actually stand for, and why is it used?

“WC” stands for “Water Closet.” Before the modern wonders of indoor plumbing, there was just a room with a bath, hence “bathroom”. But the spout for the water was outside, the water had to be carried indoors with a bucket, then it was heated on the fireplace and poured into the tub. Once indoor plumbing was invented and there was already a room with a bath, putting the toilet in the “water closet” just made the most sense.

From the sixteenth century in England, a room with a flushing toilet was referred to as a Water Closet (“WC”) in contrast with an Earth Closet (“EC” which refers to an early model of an outhouse. The term Earth Closet was still being used in England in the 1960s.

Nowadays, plumbers and builders still use “WC” or “Water Closet” to refer to a small room or enclosure with a toilet within a larger bathroom containing other fixtures such as a sink or a tub.

Regional Variations

While “WC” is common in many regions, however, different terms are used in other parts of the world:

• In Australia, “dunny” is commonly used.
• In the United States, “restroom,” “bathroom,” and “toilet” are more commonly used.
• In the UK, “loo” and “toilet” are popular.
• In other parts of Europe, you might see “Toilette” or “Toilet.”

The term “WC” might seem old-fashioned, but it remains a practical and widely understood indicator of where to find the restroom. Whether you’re travelling or just curious about the terminology, knowing what “WC” stands for can help you easily navigate public facilities.