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”.

What does loo mean in British slang?

A loo is a toilet. [British, informal]

Is it better to say loo or toilet?

Loo is an informal yet polite British term for toilet.

What is the origin of the term loo?

Loo is an Anglicisation in speech of French l'eau (water). The term was originally an euphemistic allusion to the chamberpot.

What is loo called in American English?

Word forms: plural loos. countable noun. A loo is a toilet.

TIL - Why is a toilet called a Loo?

What do Brits call toilet paper?

Bog roll. Taken from the 16th-century Scottish/Irish word meaning 'soft and moist,' bog means restroom or lavatory. Bog roll, naturally, is an idiom for toilet paper.

What do the British call a shower?

And there is also a small sink in the loo, so we can brush our teeth there if we want. Footnote: Take a bath is American English. In British English we have a bath / shower.

Why do Americans call the toilet the 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. His mother was a member of the queen's chamber.

Is loo a rude word?

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.

Why 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.

What is the most polite word for toilet?

'Lavatory' is a good option for people looking for a very formal word to use in very formal occasions​.

What does posh mean in UK?

(pɒʃ ) informal, mainly British. adjective. smart, elegant, or fashionable; exclusive. posh clothes. upper-class or genteel.

What is the old fashioned polite way of saying going to the toilet?

RELIEVE MYSELF

This is a polite euphemism for using the toilet, and is general used humorously.

What does Loo mean in Scottish?

loos, v.t., v.i., looed, loo•ing. [Scot.] Scottish Termslove.

Why do American bathrooms have stalls?

Toilet Partitions and Safety

Having gaps and open spaces in a toilet stall allow for quick access if someone happens to collapse in the restroom. There are over 40,000 toilet-related injuries in the U.S. each year according to Wiki Answers.

Why is the men's bathroom called the head?

The Navy Department Library

"Head" in a nautical sense referring to the bow or fore part of a ship dates to 1485. The ship's toilet was typically placed at the head of the ship near the base of the bowsprit, where splashing water served to naturally clean the toilet area.

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.

What do the British call a couch?

The term couch originally denoted an item of furniture for lying or sleeping on. Couch is predominantly used in North America, Australia, South Africa, and Ireland, whereas the terms sofa and settee (U and non-U) are most commonly used in the United Kingdom and India.

What do the British call umbrellas?

A brolly is the same as an umbrella. [British, informal]

What do British call sidewalks?

Also, a US sidewalk is a British pavement, and curb is spelled kerb (curb in UK English is a verb i.e. to “curb your enthusiasm”).

What is British slang for sandwich?

In England, a sandwich is called a butty! Add some British food slang to your vocabulary that will impress English folk and confuse your American friends.

What are common British phrases?