What country says water closet?

The phrase 'water closet' arose in England in the 1870s. Originally 'wash-down closet', it quickly evolved into the phrase water closet through common usage.

Is water closet British or American?

The key at the bottom says that WC (British term for public lavatory, short for “water closet”) indicates “restrooms” (an American term for same), thus effecting a nice trans-Atlantic hybrid.

Where is the term water closet used?

It is also called a WC, lavatory or bathroom. A WC can be found in homes as well as public places such as schools, restaurants, hotels and hospitals. The term "water closet" came from the old English language meaning "toilet." Today people usually refer to it simply as a toilet or restroom (American).

Where did water closet originate from?

Joseph Bramah of Yorkshire patented the first practical water closet in England in 1778. During the 1800s, people realized that poor sanitary conditions caused diseases. Having toilets and sewer systems that could control human waste became a priority to lawmakers, medical experts, inventors, and the general public.

What does water closet mean in British?

Noun. water closet (plural water closets) (chiefly Britain) A room containing a flush toilet. synonym ▲ Synonyms: see Thesaurus:bathroom. (UK) A flush toilet itself.

English conversation. Should I say bathroom, toilet, or WC? #learnenglish #englishconversation

What is water closet called in America?

Most in the United States refer to this room as the bathroom, or restroom, and some still use the words water closet. Interestingly, water closet is still a term used by plumbing manufacturers to differentiate between toilets and urinals. U.S. plumbing codes still refer to a toilet as a "WC."

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”.

Why do people say water closet?

One common place to install a toilet was in a remodeled closet because of it's dedicated size and door. Since it was the one place in the home that had indoor water, it was called the “water closet.” Fun Fact: modern day building codes still refer to the WC designation.

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”.

Why do Americans call a toilet a John?

The name “John” was later derived from “Jake” and “Jack.” Secondly but most notable amongst historians, John was the name of the first man credited with inventing the first flushing toilet. John Harington was born during the time in which Queen Elizabeth reigned.

What is a water closet in Italy for?

WC – lit Water Closet: this is the standard and most common way to indicate a public toilet. In Italian, we pronounce WC Voo-Chee. WC is what you will find on street signs, public ones, and bathroom doors. This is mainly written and usually not used in speaking, so you don't usually ask dov'e' il WC?

Is closet American or British?

In American English, → closet is usually used instead to refer to larger pieces of furniture. [...] A cupboard is a piece of furniture that has one or two doors , usually contains shelves , and is used to store things. In British English, cupboard refers to all kinds of furniture like this.

What do Americans call closet?

A wardrobe is sometimes built into the wall of a room, rather than being a separate piece of furniture. In American English, a built-in wardrobe is called a closet.

Is closet an American word?

“Closet” in its literal sense—a small room for storing clothes, linens, or supplies—“has been the standard term in North American use since at least the late 19th century,” the Oxford English Dictionary says.

What is European water closet?

A sit-down toilet with a European or Western design is quite functional. This style of compact toilet consists of a seat, a cover, and an attached flush tank. After use, the seat cover must be closed while flushing. There are only a few different designs available for traditional pan versions.

What is a water closet in France?

The water closet or W.C., as it is often referred to, is simply the toilet. In hotels it could be located in the bathroom, or in a separate tiny room adjacent to the bathroom. In most French homes it enjoys its own tiny room sometimes with a tiny sink for hand washing prior and post "business”.

What do the British call the subway?

subway ​Definitions and Synonyms

​Americana railway that goes under the ground. The British word is underground.

What is a toilet called in Australia?

dunny – a toilet, the appliance or the room – especially one in a separate outside building. This word has the distinction of being the only word for a toilet which is not a euphemism of some kind. It is from the old English dunnykin: a container for dung. However Australians use the term toilet more often than dunny.

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.

Is water closet another name for bathroom?

an enclosed room or compartment containing a toilet bowl fitted with a mechanism for flushing. Older Use. a privy or bathroom. Abbreviation: WC, w.c.

What do Americans call porta potties?

A portable or mobile toilet (colloquial terms: thunderbox, portaloo, porta-john or porta-potty) is any type of toilet that can be moved around, some by one person, some by mechanical equipment such as a truck and crane.

Is water closet same as toilet?

According to Mirriam Webster's Dictionary, a water closet is technically “a compartment or room with a toilet.” In the United Kingdom, however, the term “water closet” refers to the toilet itself, which causes some confusion.

Do British people call bathrooms water closets?

In British English, "bathroom" is a common term but is typically reserved for private rooms primarily used for bathing; a room without a bathtub or shower is more often known as a "WC", an abbreviation for water closet, "lavatory", or "loo". Other terms are also used, some as part of a regional dialect.