Why is a bathroom called a loo?

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'.

Where did the term loo come from?

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

Why is the bathroom called the John?

At one point in time these names began to be used for describing a small, smelly restroom area inside of a house. Only the very wealthy had jakes/jacks inside of their homes– most others were located somewhere outside. The name “John” was later derived from “Jake” and “Jack.”

When did the word loo come into use?

The dictionary's earliest “unambiguously attested” example for “loo” used to mean a lavatory is from Pigeon Pie (1940), a comic novel by Nancy Mitford.

Is loo a slang word?

“Loo” is, of course, slang, primarily British, for the toilet, restroom or bathroom (or whatever your favorite euphemism might be). The origin of “loo” has been hotly, and often quite creatively, debated since the word first appeared.

TIL - Why is a toilet called a Loo?

Why do Brits say the loo?

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'.

Is saying loo posh?

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.

Is loo American or British?

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.

What is the British term for bathroom?

loo (British, informal) washroom.

Why is a toilet called a Jake?

In 16th century England, Jake was a common nickname for a yokel — a hick. In the days when there was no indoor plumbing as we enjoy today, "Jakes" or "Jake's House" made for useful euphemisms for the latrine.

How did pirates poop on ships?

Ships of the line frequently included systems of pipes, septic tanks and even primitive forms of flush toilets.

Why is it called a head?

At the front of the ship was the figure head: a carved wooden figure or bust fitted on the bow of the ship. Since the wind was blowing from the rear to the front, the “head” (or front) of the ship was the best place for sailors to relieve themselves. So, when the shipmates went to the toilet, they went to the head.

What is the posh word for toilet?

In this page you can discover 63 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for toilet, like: restroom, john, bathroom, loo, latrine, ablutions, poet's corner, crapper, commode, ladies-room and can.

What do they call bathroom in Australia?

It isn't the john or the bathroom, as many Americans call it. We say the toilet, or (if you want to be specific) the Gents or the Ladies. Other terms include the dunny and the loo. The bathroom is where you keep the bath, which is often not in the same room as the toilet.

What is a bathroom without a toilet called?

Shower and sink. That's it. A shower only in a room is called a shower stall. Copy link CC BY-SA 4.0.

What is a room with just a toilet called?

To builders nowadays, a water closet refers to a room with just a toilet, although some companies, such as Richmond American Homes, will include water closets in the same category as a powder room or a half bath—a room with a toilet plus a sink.

Is napkin or serviette posher?

Serviette is at the top of the list as a class delineator, along with lavatory (posh) instead of toilet (twee). (It makes for interesting reading.) So some words are posher (although the term posh is not posh, unless it's used ironically).

Why are toilets called traps?

You may be surprised to learn that toilet and the noun toil, meaning "snare" or "trap" (as in "caught in the toils of love"), have a common ancestor: the Middle French word toile, meaning "cloth" or "hunting net." How toil developed from the French word needs no explanation; on the other hand, how toilet as a name for ...

What do aristocrats call toilets?

The royal family apparently say 'loo' or 'lavatory' instead. Kate says you should never use the terms 'gents', 'ladies' 'bathroom' or 'powder room'.

What do Brits call taking a shower?

I would add to this list the 'have a bath/take a bath' distinction: the British 'have' a bath, while we Americans 'take' one. A hackneyed metaphor for American assertiveness and British passivity is lurking in there somewhere.

What do the British call Showers?

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.

What do you call a male toilet?

A urinal (US: /ˈjʊərənəl/, UK: /jʊəˈraɪnəl/) is a sanitary plumbing fixture for urination only. Urinals are often provided in public toilets for male users in Western countries (less so in Muslim countries). They are usually used in a standing position.

How do you say toilet in NZ?

New Zealand and Australia share many words. Dunny, a colloquial word for a toilet, is one of them. The public toilets in Ōtorohanga are graced with various words meaning toilet, including dunny, and the Māori term wharepaku.

What do they call toilets in Europe?

Most European countries are short on public restrooms, but I can teach you how to sniff out a biffy in a jiffy. If you ask for a "restroom" or "bathroom," you'll get no relief. Instead, say "Toilet" or "WC" (short for Water Closet); these terms are direct, simple, and understood.