What is a toilet actually called?

Okay, so, ever find yourself in a slightly awkward situation where you really need to go, but you’re not sure what the polite way to ask is? I know I have! It’s like, what is a toilet called, anyway? It’s not like we all call it the “porcelain throne,” right? (Though sometimes I’m tempted to…).

Seriously though, it’s crazy how many different words there are for the same little room. Like, here in the US, we mostly say “bathroom” or “restroom,” even if there isn’t a bath in there. Which, let’s be honest, is kind of weird when you think about it. Then you go up to Canada, and they’re saying “washroom” a lot. I remember visiting my aunt in Toronto, and I kept saying bathroom, and she’d sort of chuckle. Not a big deal, but you know, it makes you feel a little… out of place.

And then you’ve got England! They’ve got a whole bunch of words. “WC,” which I learned stands for “water closet.” How formal is that? Then there’s “lavatory,” which sounds super fancy, and “lav,” which is just a shortened version. I remember watching a British sitcom once where someone asked for the “loo,” and I was totally lost! Had to Google it later. Turns out, that’s another common one over there. So, yeah, it just goes to show you how much language can change, even when we’re talking about something, well, as basic as a toilet!