Of all the things I’ve had to learn since moving to London, the British word for bathroom has been the trickiest. Saying “loo” makes me feel ridiculous, but saying “toilet” feels crass. After testing out every variation imaginable, I finally embraced my Americanness and stuck with “restroom”.
What do they call restrooms in London?
In British English, “bathroom” is a common term but is typically reserved for private rooms primarily used for bathing; a room without a bathtub or shower is more often known as a “WC”, an abbreviation for water closet, “lavatory”, or “loo”.
What is a loo in Europe?
One of the first useful phrases any language student should learn is: “Where is the restroom?” in the target language. In German that would be “Wo ist die Toilette?” Of course, in most European languages the English word “restroom” or “loo” is a euphemism for toilet.
What is the loo in Paris?
Loo’s Pagoda (‘Maison de Loo’ in French) is a Chinese red pagoda located in the middle of Haussmann style buildings, in 8th arrondissement of Paris, near Parc Monceau. It is now a private museum of Asian art and belongs to the gallery “CTLoo & Cie”, formerly owned by a Chinese art dealer “Ching Tsai Loo”.
How do you say bathroom in London?
Lavatory, loo and toilet will all be understood, which is in many cases the only real desideratum.
What do British call toilet paper?
Bog roll
Bog roll. Taken from the 16th-century Scottish/Irish word meaning ‘soft and moist,’ bog means restroom or lavatory. Bog roll, naturally, is an idiom for toilet paper.
Why do Brits call the bathroom the loo?
Despite being a very British word for toilet, ‘loo’ is actually derived from the French phrase ‘guardez l’eau’, which means ‘watch out for the water’.
What happens during loo?
Loo is a strong, gusty, hot, and dry wind that blows during daytime over north and northwestern India. These winds raise the temperature of the region, and exposure to these winds can even prove fatal.
Do they flush toilet paper in Italy?
France, Portugal, Italy, Japan, Argentina, Venezuela, and Spain: Instead of toilet paper, people from these countries (most of them from Europe) usually have a bidet in their washrooms. A bidet like a toilet, but also includes a spout that streams water like a water fountain to rinse you clean.
What do Germans call the toilet?
Toilette
Bathroom and toilet in German: How to say it
The bathroom is the “Badezimmer” in German and the “toilet” is the “Toilette”.
Do they flush toilet paper in France?
France – Contrary to popular belief, many places in France have toilets that you can actually safely use and you’ll be able to flush the paper. This isn’t the 1980s you know.
Do French use toilet paper or water?
It’s normal in France to wipe oneself with toilet paper and then wash the hands with soap.” “Using the hand to wipe oneself and then washing it with running water in a plastic bottle is totally contrary to the basic rules of hygiene that are in place in this business.
What is toilet paper called in France?
papier toilette
papier toilette toilet paper (noun)
What do British people call biscuits?
Scone
Scone (UK) / Biscuit (US)
These are the crumbly cakes that British people call scones, which you eat with butter, jam, sometimes clotted cream and always a cup of tea.
How do posh people say toilet?
Toilet. This was on the original 1950s list and, to be honest, I’d rather chew glass than use the word toilet in polite conversation. It’s a harsh word that was adapted from the French toilette which means your appearance, hence toiletries bag. Lavatory or loo is much more acceptable.
What is a bathroom called in Scotland?
cludgie – toilet, or lavatory, originally outdoors.
What is a nappy called in England?
Diaper is what they use in North America, and Nappy is the word used in the UK & Ireland, Australia, NZ and many other Commonwealth countries.
What do the British call umbrellas?
An umbrella may also be called a brolly (UK slang), parapluie (nineteenth century, French origin), rainshade, gamp (British, informal, dated), or bumbershoot (rare, facetious American slang).
What do Brits call taking a shower?
And there is also a small sink in the loo, so we can brush our teeth there if we want. Footnote: Take a bath is American English. In British English we have a bath / shower.
Why is it called a John?
The name “John” was later derived from “Jake” and “Jack.” Secondly but most notable amongst historians, John was the name of the first man credited with inventing the first flushing toilet. John Harington was born during the time in which Queen Elizabeth reigned.
What do Americans call a toilet?
Most of us call it a “toilet”. It can also be slangily referred to as “the throne”, “a commode”, “potty”, “pot”, “John” or “Johnny”, in some situations, it’s a “latrine”, or “restroom”, or “Ladies’ or Mens’ room”. There are many ways to say it. You won’t hear “water closet” or “Loo” used much in the US.