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.

Credit: Shutterstock

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.

Credit: Shutterstock

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!

Owner tells dog he passed all the treats to the cats, over 200 million have watched his reply

Known as the ‘epitome of canine hilarity,’ this viral sensation has solidified its reputation with an impressive 205 million views. Dubbed ‘The Summit of Doggy Comedy’ across YouTube, this video, celebrated for its contagious laughter, has recently made a triumphant return, much to the joy of its dedicated fan base.

Within this uproarious one-minute and twenty-second gem, a dog parent indulges in a lively exchange with their furry companion, all centered around delectable treats from the meat drawer.

The comedic brilliance lies in the seamless incorporation of a voiceover by the owner, crafting the illusion that the dog is actively engaged in the conversation.

The banter begins with the owner casually mentioning the contents of the meat drawer, highlighting the tantalizing presence of maple bacon. The dog’s responses, filled with humorous “yeahs” and “okays”, create the illusion of participation.

The interplay of the owner’s robust, masculine voice and the dog’s charmingly innocent and ‘goofy’ demeanor heightens the comedic charm, beautifully complementing the canine’s adorable eyes and curious nature.

As the dialogue unfolds, a surprising twist emerges. The owner admits to having enjoyed the maple bacon himself, leaving the dog in suspense. The dog’s reactions, a blend of disappointment and disbelief, are humorously conveyed through expressive “yeah?” and “yeah?” responses, seemingly pleading for a taste of the coveted bacon.

The storyline takes an unforeseen direction when the owner confesses to indulging in other delicacies from the meat drawer, including beef and chicken smothered in cheese and cat treats. With each revelation, the dog’s hopeful anticipation transforms into audible yawns, cleverly edited to convey profound disappointment.

The impeccable comedic timing and inventive editing effectively magnify the absurdity of the scenario.

Predictably, the video swiftly catapulted to viral status, amassing a staggering 205 million views and still climbing. Viewer feedback consistently reflects the consensus that this creation stands unrivaled in the realm of online hilarity.

Remarks like: “Eternally the pinnacle of internet entertainment”, and “A source of morale for eight years straight!” underscore the enduring adoration for this canine comedic masterpiece.

It’s clear that this uproarious exchange strikes a chord with audiences on a deeply personal level, as many can envision themselves engaging in similar banter with their own beloved pets. With its timeless charm, this video seems destined to continue spreading joy well into the future.

If you’ve yet to experience the infectious laughter this gem inspires, treat yourself and hit ‘play’ on the video below. And don’t forget to share this comedic treasure with your loved ones for an instant mood lift.

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