You’ve seen it in train stations, restaurants, and hotels across the world: a simple sign that reads WC, or a pair of stick figures—one in pants, one in a skirt. These symbols guide us to one of life’s most basic needs, yet few pause to wonder where they came from—or why they look the way they do.

Let’s break down the history, design, and cultural meaning behind the signs we follow without thinking.

1. What Does “WC” Mean?
WC stands for Water Closet—a term that originated in 19th-century England to describe a small, dedicated room housing a flush toilet. At the time, indoor plumbing was a new luxury, and the “water closet” distinguished this private, hygienic space from older, outdoor facilities.

Though people no longer use the phrase Water Closet in casual conversation, the abbreviation stuck. Today, WC appears widely across Europe, Asia, and public spaces worldwide as a universal shorthand for restroom—even if most travelers don’t know its origin.

2. Different Words Around the World
What you call the bathroom depends on where you are:

Restroom / Bathroom – Common in the United States; “bathroom” is often used even when there’s no bath.
Washroom – The standard term in Canada.
Toilet / Loo – Widely used in the UK. “Loo” is informal but perfectly acceptable.
CR (Comfort Room) – Frequently used in the Philippines.
Toilettes – France and many French-speaking regions.
Damentoilet / Herentoilet – Netherlands, specifying gender clearly.
These differences can confuse international travelers. That’s why visual signs have become more important than words.

3. The Role of Icons
When language fails, simple icons step in. The standard pictograms—a figure in trousers for men, one in a dress or skirt for women—are part of a global visual language designed for instant recognition.