The Surprising Truth Behind the WC Sign
You’ve probably seen it a million times – the “WC” sign pointing you in the direction of a public toilet.
But have you ever stopped to think about what those two letters actually stand for?
If you’re like many people, you might be surprised to learn that it’s not what you thought!
Debunking the Myths
Some people have speculated that WC might stand for “Wheelchair”, but the truth is a bit more interesting.
The correct answer is “Water Closet” – a phrase that’s been around since the 19th Century.
A Blast from the Past
So, why was the term “Water Closet” invented? Well, back in the 19th Century, talking about toilets was considered impolite.
The word “toilet” was hardly ever uttered in polite conversation, and the bodily functions associated with it were definitely not discussed.
To avoid any embarrassment, the term “water closet” was coined to describe the newfangled flush lavatory that was starting to appear in public places.
How the Acronym Became Mainstream
Over time, the acronym “WC” became a more discreet way to refer to the toilets, and it eventually became widely accepted.
Today, we use it without giving it a second thought – just like how we use “Google” as a verb to mean searching online.
A Brief History of the Water Closet
According to Plumbworld, a plumbing website, the phrase “water closet” was first used in England in the 1870s.
It was originally known as a “wash-down closet” before evolving into the term we use today.
The 19th Century was a significant time for the development of modern toilets, with innovations that greatly improved public health and hygiene.
