Washrooms around the world are called by many different names. Whether it’s “bathroom,” “restroom,” or the ever-polite “lavatory,” every country seems to have its preferred terminology. One country that boasts a rich variety of names for public toilets is the United Kingdom. Here, you might hear people say “restroom,” “loo,” or even “lav.” However, there’s another term often seen in public spaces that has left many scratching their heads: the WC sign.

Despite the fact that the WC sign has been in use for over a century, many people still don’t know what it stands for. If it wasn’t for a TikTok user who recently enlightened the world, some of us might have never figured it out.

The Revelation Behind the WC Sign

A TikTok video that’s gone viral (with over 3,500 views) has finally shed light on this mysterious sign. In the clip, TikToker @itsnathannyc explains the meaning behind WC, responding to a follower’s inquiry. The answer? WC stands for Water Closet—a term that has been in use since the 19th century.

Before modern indoor plumbing, homes had a separate room for bathing, but the water source was often outside. People would heat water manually and pour it into a bathtub. Once plumbing arrived, there was already a room called the bathroom for bathing, so when it came time to install a toilet, people needed a new term. Thus, the “water closet” (or WC) was born—essentially a small, enclosed space where the toilet was installed, hence the name closet.

A Surprising Revelation

Although the WC sign has been used for nearly 150 years, many people were surprised to learn its true meaning. Comments poured in on TikTok, with many users admitting they had never bothered to look it up. One user said, “I’m glad someone asked because I’ve been wondering about this for years but never googled it.” Another confessed, “Can’t believe I’ve been living with a WC sign and had no idea why it was called WC.”

One of the more humorous reactions came from a person who said, “I was 23 years old when I learned that WC means water closet,” showing that even in adulthood, we can still be surprised by everyday things. Another individual chimed in, “I know what a water closet is, but don’t use the word—just use the WC.”

Knowledge Not as Common as You Think

While some people were shocked by this new knowledge, others expressed surprise that anyone didn’t already know. A few users seemed astonished that people worldwide hadn’t figured it out. “I’ve known this since I was 13,” one person boasted. Another mocked, “Convinced I live in LA because of the common sense levels in the UK—or lack thereof.”

The WC Sign: A Part of History

The WC sign has an interesting history that dates back to the 1870s, when the term “water closet” first emerged in England. This term stuck around and spread across the globe, particularly in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, where public restrooms are often marked with the WC label. While it may seem old-fashioned to some, the term is still widely used, even though the concept of a separate water closet may feel outdated with today’s modern bathrooms.

The next time you’re traveling and see a WC sign, you’ll know exactly what it stands for. It’s a small piece of history that has stood the test of time, and thanks to the power of social media, more people are now aware of its origins.

What’s in a Name?

It’s funny how everyday things like a washroom sign can carry so much history behind them. While some countries prefer terms like “restroom” or “toilet,” others have held on to the more traditional WC designation. So, whether you’ve known it all along or just found out today, WC stands proudly as a nod to the past, reminding us of how far we’ve come with modern plumbing.

Did you already know what WC stood for, or is this news to you? Let us know in the comments!

Reading this article suggests that the answer is in the affirmative.

1. You can see if someone needs medical help.

2. You can see if it’s vacant.

3. It helps to get rid of bad smells inside.

4. Full doors are more expensive.

5. It helps to stop people from harmful behavior.

6. You can get out if the lock is jammed.

7. You can ask someone for toilet paper if you don’t have it.

8. People spend less time in the bathroom and the line moves faster.

9. It makes it easier for custodians to clean the floor.

10. In case of a pipe break, water won’t accumulate.

Bonus: Why do we need to pull the door in to leave the bathroom?

It’s so you won’t hurt anybody while opening the door.

This prevents you from blocking the corridor and allows you to move around in case of an emergency.

• It prevents smells from moving to the outside.
• You can’t be locked out by someone else, but it’s easier for you to block the door if its lock is broken.

And when we enter the bathroom, we push the door.

• You can open it with your shoulder so there’s no need to touch the door handle.
• Pushing the door helps to save time.

How do you feel about public bathrooms? Have you ever noticed that they don’t have fully enclosed doors?

Source: brightside.

1. Increased Risk of Urinary Tract Infections

One significant concern with squatting over the toilet is its potential to elevate your risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). When you squat, your pelvic floor muscles remain roughly 40% tensed. This persistent tension can prevent your bladder from fully relaxing, which might result in some urine being retained after you stand up. This residual urine creates an ideal environment for bacteria to flourish, thereby increasing your susceptibility to UTIs. These infections, while often treatable, can lead to discomfort and more severe health issues if not addressed promptly.

2. Persistent Urge to Urinate

Have you ever experienced a persistent urge to urinate shortly after using the restroom? This nagging feeling may be linked to the habit of squatting over the toilet. When you squat, you may not completely empty your bladder, leading to residual urine that can leak during sudden movements like sneezing, laughing, or coughing. This leakage not only causes embarrassment but also contributes to a continual sensation of urgency and discomfort, impacting your overall quality of life.

3. Gradual Weakening of the Bladder

Regular squatting over the toilet can lead to the weakening of your bladder over time. When your pelvic muscles are habitually tensed, it disrupts the natural relaxation process necessary for effective bladder contraction and emptying. This chronic tension can impair your bladder’s ability to function properly, potentially causing difficulties with urination, including incomplete emptying and an increased need to urinate frequently.

4. The Benefits of a Full Squat

Instead of partially squatting over the toilet seat, consider adopting a full squat position. By sitting lower on the toilet, you allow your pelvic and bladder muscles to relax more fully. This deeper squat helps align the urinary tract more effectively, promoting better bladder emptying. Embracing this position may enhance bladder health and alleviate some of the issues associated with partial squatting.

Conclusion

The next time you find yourself in a public restroom, it’s worth reconsidering the practice of squatting over the toilet. While it might seem like a more sanitary option, it could inadvertently affect your bladder health over time. Opting for a full squat or using toilet seat covers and sanitizing wipes might be more beneficial alternatives. Taking these small steps can make a significant difference in maintaining your bladder health.

We’d love to hear from you: Do you prefer squatting when using public restrooms? What other strategies do you use to stay comfortable and hygienic? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!

Sources: brightside; smartsite