In the UK, public toilets go by various names. Some people call them restrooms, while others refer to them as the loo or lavatory. Interestingly, most public toilets are marked with a ‘WC’ sign, but have you ever wondered what it stands for?

Well, now we know.

The internet is a treasure trove of surprising yet fascinating tidbits. Whether it’s learning the proper use of the fourth side of a cheese grater, the meaning behind M&M’s initials, or the hidden purposes of trolley hooks, spending time online can be quite enlightening.

Currently, there’s a buzz about the WC sign on toilets, leaving many people intrigued and surprised…

One person comments, “I’m glad someone asked because I’ve been wondering this for years but never googled it.”

Another adds, “Can’t believe I’ve been living with a WC sign and had no idea why it was called WC.”

“I was 23 years old when I learned,” shares another individual.

Someone else says, “I know, but don’t use it (don’t use the word – do use the WC).”

Others are amazed that some people have lived their entire lives without knowing what ‘WC’ stands for.

“I’ve known this since I was 13!” claims one commenter.

“Surely everyone knows what ‘WC’ stands for?” questions another.

Breaking it down, the true meaning of ‘WC’ actually makes complete sense.

People have hastily taken to the comments to discuss this newfound knowledge, even though it’s been around since the 1870s in England.

The term’s origin is deeply rooted in the history of indoor plumbing.

When indoor plumbing became more widespread, many households repurposed their clothing closets into small rooms with a toilet inside.

These closets were often the only places in the home with running water.

Today, many people refer to the room with the toilet as a bathroom.

However, traditionally, a bathroom was a room specifically for a bath, separate from the toilet.

In a video, @itsnathannyc explains, “Before indoor plumbing, we actually had a room for the bathtub, a bathroom. But the spout was outside. You had to carry water in with a bucket, heat it up, pour it in the tub.

“When indoor plumbing came along, there was already a room with a bath—the bathroom. So where do you put the toilet? Just put it in a closet; it’s the easiest place to fit it.”

Being one of the only places in the home with running water, these closets eventually became known as water closets.

“To start, WC is an abbreviation standing for ‘water closet’. This term was used in the 1900s for a toilet because most were installed in spare closets or cupboards. Over time, WC has been used instead of bathroom to describe a room with a toilet but no bath,” according to Plumb World.