The two letters WC, often seen on restroom doors in hotels, airports, and public places, stand for “water closet,” an old English term for a room containing a toilet. The history of the modern flush toilet goes back to 1596, when Sir John Harington described an early flushable toilet, while in 1775 Alexander Cumming patented an improved design featuring a water trap that helped block sewer gases. As indoor toilets became more common in the 19th century, “water closet” became a familiar term, and WC eventually became a short, internationally recognized label, especially in Europe. In the United States, “bathroom” and “restroom” became more common, which is why many Americans mainly encounter WC when traveling abroad……
