Is it polite to say toilet or loo?

Loo is an informal yet polite British term for toilet.
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Is toilet or loo more polite?

Toilet. This was on the original 1950s list and, to be honest, I'd rather chew glass than use the word toilet in polite conversation. It's a harsh word that was adapted from the French toilette which means your appearance, hence toiletries bag. Lavatory or loo is much more acceptable.
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Do you say loo or toilet?

Lavatory or the slightly twee 'loo' are always acceptable and used by those from stronger social backgrounds, or those who 'get it'. 'Toilet' is both down-market but also incorrect. Historically, a toilette was a person's make-up (hence 'toiletries bag', 'eau de toilette', etc).
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What is a nicer way to say toilet?

'Washroom' is another formal word that most English speakers will understand. It is mostly used in the USA. 'Restroom' is a safe term to use in the United States and won't offend anyone.
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Why do people say loo instead of toilet?

Loo. Despite being a very British word for toilet, 'loo' is actually derived from the French phrase 'guardez l'eau', which means 'watch out for the water'.
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English conversation. Should I say bathroom, toilet, or WC? #learnenglish #englishconversation



Why do the British call a toilet a loo?

Despite its British popularity for a slightly less crude way to call the toilet, the word “loo” is actually derived from the French phrase 'guardez l'eau', meaning 'watch out for the water”.
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Is it OK to say toilet?

While toilet is an acceptable way to refer to the object itself, delicate euphemisms such as restroom or bathroom are preferred ways of describing the room in which it is found.
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What is a polite way to say pee?

verb. impolite to get rid of waste liquid from your body. A more polite word is pee or wee. The formal word is urinate.
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Is toilet a vulgar word?

No, it is not vulgar. Well, slightly, if you use it metaphorically: “His career is in the toilet.” We are not hesitant to use the word when it is the right one.
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What is loo called in America?

This room is commonly known as a "bathroom" in American English, a lavatory or loo in the United Kingdom, a "washroom" in Canadian English, and by many other names across the English-speaking world.
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What is loo called in American English?

Word forms: plural loos. countable noun. A loo is a toilet.
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What do Americans call toilet?

Restrooms (Toilets) in the USA. Toilets are called restrooms in the USA. A restroom is not somewhere you rest or sleep. Public restrooms are available throughout the United States.
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Do posh people say loo?

Yes, the humble toilet has been deemed too common for posh people. According to Hanson, the word's origins come from the French word 'toilette' which is used to describe someone's appearance. You really wouldn't want to look like a toilet would you? Loo or lavatory are much more acceptable.
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How do you politely ask for a toilet?

What is your English level? Take our short English test to find out.
  1. 'Could you tell me where the bathroom is please' 'Where are the toilets please? ' ...
  2. 'Excuse me but where is the loo? ' 'I'm just going for a patter on the porcelain' ...
  3. 'Could you tell me where the restroom is please? '
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How do you say toilet formal?

lavatory
  1. WC.
  2. latrine.
  3. powder room.
  4. restroom.
  5. shower.
  6. toilet.
  7. washroom.
  8. water closet.
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What is a female toilet called?

A public toilet for women in the US is usually called a “women's room” or “ladies' room,” with verbal signs reading “Women” or “Ladies.” (In the UK, people often call a gendered loo “the ladies” or “the gents.”)
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Do Americans use the word loo?

Etymology: Americans use the 'john' while British use a 'loo. ' What are the sources and semantic differences, if any, between the two terms? - Quora.
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What do Brits call the bathroom?

As with many English words, some are common in American English and others are common in British English. However, words such as: bathroom, ladies room, men's room and restroom are common to both. On most airlines, the toilet is referred to as “the lavatory”.
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What do British call toilet paper?

The bundle, or roll of toilet paper, is known as a toilet roll, or loo roll or bog roll in Britain.
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Where do people say the loo?

The 'loo' is very common in the UK & Ireland, and is a safe and polite way to say toilet. There are many theories about the origin of this word, but it is still an unsolved mystery!
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What do British people call diapers?

Diaper is what they use in North America, and Nappy is the word used in the UK & Ireland, Australia, NZ and many other Commonwealth countries.
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What English phrases confuse Americans?

12 British Sayings That Americans Don't Understand
  • “They lost the plot.” ...
  • “I haven't seen that in donkey's years.” ...
  • “Quit your whinging!” ...
  • “He's such a chav.” ...
  • “You've thrown a spanner in the works.” ...
  • “Let's have a chin-wag.” ...
  • “I'm chuffed to bits.” ...
  • “That's manky.”
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What do the British call umbrellas?

A brolly is the same as an umbrella. [British, informal]
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Is Loo American or British?

British slang: “loo” means “toilet”

A very important slang term to know in the UK is that “loo” is often used as a synonym for toilet.
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What do Scottish people call the bathroom?

For the uninitiated, cludgie is a Scottish word meaning “toilet”, although probably not to be used in the politest of companies.
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