In the UK, public toilets go by many different names. Some people call them restrooms, others refer to them as the loo or lavatory. But one sign that’s commonly seen in public bathrooms is “WC.” Have you ever wondered what it actually means?

It turns out, many people are only now realizing what “WC” stands for—and the answer is surprising a lot of folks.

The internet is full of interesting facts that catch people off guard. From learning the hidden uses of a cheese grater to discovering what M&M stands for, the web has become a place for sharing fascinating tidbits. Recently, a conversation about the meaning of the “WC” toilet sign has caught people’s attention, leaving many both intrigued and shocked.

One person commented, “I’m glad someone asked, I’ve been wondering this for years but never bothered to Google it.” Another added, “Can’t believe I’ve been living with a WC sign and never knew what it stood for.”

“I was 23 years old when I found out,” shared another commenter.

Many people have expressed surprise that some have lived their whole lives without knowing the meaning behind “WC,” while others seem baffled that it’s even a question. “I’ve known this since I was 13!” one person wrote. Another asked, “How does everyone not know what ‘WC’ stands for?”

So, what does it mean?

The answer is quite simple: “WC” stands for “water closet.” The term dates back to the 19th century when indoor plumbing was first introduced in homes in England. Back then, many homes had separate rooms for the bathtub and the toilet, and toilets were often installed in closets or small rooms that had access to running water.

As indoor plumbing became more widespread, these small rooms with toilets became known as “water closets.” Over time, “WC” became a standard abbreviation for a room with a toilet.

Today, we often refer to this room as a bathroom, but traditionally, the term “bathroom” referred to a room with a bath—not necessarily a toilet. So while we’ve adapted our language, “WC” is a term that stuck around, especially in the UK and other parts of Europe.

A popular video by TikTok creator @itsnathannyc explains it perfectly: “Before indoor plumbing, we had a separate room for the bathtub—the bathroom. When plumbing was introduced, there was already a room with a bath, so the toilet was installed in a closet, making it a ‘water closet.’”

It’s amazing how a simple term like “WC” has such a rich history tied to the evolution of indoor plumbing. While it’s something we encounter every day, many people had no idea where it originated or what it really stood for.

So the next time you see a “WC” sign, you’ll know it’s short for “water closet”—a term that dates back to the early days of indoor plumbing when toilets were literally placed inside closets.