Bathrooms go by different names globally, and the UK is no exception, with various terms like “toilet” or “restroom.” Despite WC signs being common, their meaning remains unclear for many. A TikTok user recently shed light on this mystery, revealing that WC stands for “water closet.” This term originated in the 1870s when toilets were added to indoor bathrooms.

In the past, bathrooms were separate rooms, and the toilet, located outside, required heated water to be manually carried inside. With indoor plumbing, toilets found a home in closets, leading to the term “water closet.” The TikTok revelation sparked discussions online, with surprised users expressing their newfound knowledge. One user confessed, “I was 23 years old when I learned that WC is called a water closet.”

The discovery also highlighted cultural differences, with some users astonished that not everyone globally understands the WC sign’s significance. Overall, the TikTok revelation unveiled the historical roots of a commonly used term, leaving many enlightened and amused.