The History of “WC”: How It Became a Global Term for Restrooms

The History of “WC”: How It Became a Global Term for Restrooms

If you’ve ever traveled abroad, you’ve probably seen the letters “WC” on a door and wondered what they stand for. While many English speakers use words like “bathroom,” “restroom,” or “toilet,” much of the world still uses this simple abbreviation.

So what does “WC” actually mean — and how did it become an international term?