If you’ve ever spotted the letters “WC” outside a restroom door and wondered what they stand for, you’re not alone. The abbreviation actually comes from the term “Water Closet”, a phrase that dates back to the 19th century.
Originally, “water closet” referred to a small room containing a flush toilet — a new invention at the time. The term spread across Europe and parts of Asia, becoming a universal shorthand for public restrooms.
Today, while many countries use “toilet,” “restroom,” or “bathroom,” the WC sign remains a familiar international symbol — simple, clear, and instantly recognizable wherever you travel.
