If you’ve ever traveled internationally or stayed in older hotels, you’ve probably seen the letters “WC” on a restroom door and wondered what it meant. While many Americans are more familiar with terms like “restroom,” “bathroom,” or “toilet,” “WC” is still commonly used in Europe and in some parts of Asia. But despite how often it’s seen, many people have no idea what those two letters actually stand for. A viral TikTok video recently shed light on this mysterious sign, revealing that “WC” stands for “water closet”—a term that dates all the way back to the 19th century.

The term “water closet” originated in England during the 1870s, a time when indoor plumbing was still a relatively new and exciting advancement. Back then, homes and public buildings didn’t typically have indoor toilets, and when they did, the toilet was often tucked into a small, closet-like room for privacy. That’s how the phrase “water closet” was born—a room with running water specifically designated for relieving oneself. Over time, as this type of toilet setup became more widespread thanks to improvements in plumbing and sanitation, the term was shortened to “WC,” and the abbreviation began appearing on signs to indicate the location of these modern restroom facilities.

Today, most people encounter the “WC” label on bathroom doors without giving it a second thought. But when the TikToker explained its origin, social media users around the world were surprised. Many admitted they had used restrooms marked with “WC” for years without ever knowing what it meant. Some assumed it was just a foreign or technical abbreviation, while others had simply never thought to question it. The video quickly went viral, sparking a wave of online discussion about how language evolves and how certain historical terms stick around even after their original meanings fade from public knowledge.

@hullsome Basically every country uses WC to mark a bathroom. I didn’t know what WC meant for the LONGEST TIME. Talk about a conundrum, make sure you have some spare change too! #Bathroom #WC #America #American #European #Europe #Restroom #WaterCloset ♬ Hell To Da Naw Naw Naw – Bishop Bullwinkle

In many parts of Europe, “WC” is still widely used and understood. If you’re in France, Germany, or Italy, for example, it’s perfectly normal to see “WC” signs in restaurants, airports, train stations, and hotels. In these places, the abbreviation has been woven into everyday vocabulary, and there’s rarely any confusion about its meaning. But outside of Europe, particularly in North America, it’s not nearly as common. That’s why so many people are surprised when they first encounter it abroad or in older buildings that have retained more traditional signage.

Interestingly, the term “water closet” is almost never used in conversation anymore. You won’t hear someone in the U.S. say, “Excuse me, where’s the water closet?” Instead, you’ll hear terms like “restroom” in public settings, or “bathroom” in private homes—even if there’s no actual bathtub involved. In the UK, people often say “loo,” while Australians might use “toilet” more casually. Despite this variety, the “WC” abbreviation remains universally understood in visual form, especially in areas with heavy tourist traffic.

You’re also likely to find the WC sign in vintage buildings, historic hotels, and places that want to maintain a more classic or European feel. Even some modern designers use “WC” on architectural plans or bathroom signs to give a space a timeless or international touch. And while it might seem like a small detail, the story behind the term is a fascinating look at how much of our everyday language is influenced by history.

So, the next time you see a bathroom marked “WC,” you’ll know it’s not just some random letters—it’s a throwback to a time when having indoor plumbing was a luxury and toilets were literally housed in closet-sized rooms. It’s a small reminder of how much progress has been made and how language continues to carry pieces of the past into the present. What started as a practical label in Victorian-era England is now a globally recognized symbol for one of the most basic human needs. And even if most people don’t know its origins, “WC” has certainly stood the test of time.