The Mystery Behind the ‘WC’ Sign

Ever wondered what “WC” means on bathroom signs? You’re not alone. Common in airports and hotels, “WC” stands for Water Closet—an older term for a room with a toilet and sink.

A 2020 TikTok video by Shelby and Dylan sparked laughs by questioning terms like “washroom” and “restroom.”

Dylan joked, “The only thing I wash in there is my hands,” while Shelby asked, “Do you rest in a restroom?”

Viewers chimed in, sharing funny experiences and naming preferences like bathroom, washroom, toilet, or WC.

Historically, “Water Closet” described a separate room for a toilet when bathing areas were separate. As plumbing advanced in the 19th and 20th

centuries, indoor toilets became more common, and “WC” became a universal label, especially helpful for international travelers.

On Reddit, users debated the WC term. Some questioned the “closet” part, others shared global variations—like Russia’s “room without windows.”

Canadians often say “washroom,” while Americans prefer “bathroom” or “restroom,” though regional differences exist.

So, whether you call it a bathroom, washroom, WC, or toilet, you’re referring to the same essential space. What term do you prefer?