You’ve seen it everywhere: a sign that reads WC, or a pair of stick figures—one in pants, one in a skirt. These symbols guide us to one of life’s basic needs, yet few wonder about their origin. WC stands for Water Closet, a term from 19th-century England for a small room housing a flush toilet.

Indoor plumbing was once a luxury, and the water closet distinguished private facilities from outdoor ones. While “Water Closet” is rarely used today, the abbreviation WC remains common across Europe, Asia, and public spaces worldwide. Different countries use different words: “Restroom” in the U.S., “Washroom” in Canada, “Toilet” or “Loo” in the UK, “CR” in the Philippines, and “Toilettes” in French-speaking regions.

Visual signs help travelers navigate these variations easily. Icons—the stick figures in skirts or pants—provide a language-neutral solution. Designed for clarity, they are recognized instantly, standardized in airports, train stations, and tourist areas. Some cafes or shops use playful alternatives, like hats or bows, but these can confuse visitors unfamiliar with local humor.

Modern public spaces increasingly include gender-neutral restrooms, using symbols that combine masculine and feminine features or simply state “All-Gender Restroom.” Next time you see WC or a familiar silhouette, remember these signs carry centuries of history, design thinking, and cultural nuance. From Victorian England to today’s inclusive facilities, the need to locate a restroom quickly and discreetly remains universal.