The word "WC" that you see every day is actually an abbreviation of the English phrase "Water Closet", which literally means a water room. Or it can be understood as a toilet with a flushing system.
The "Water Closet" appeared in 19th century England, when people started using the flushing system for toilets.
Before that, toilets did not have modern drainage systems. In 1596, Sir John Harington, an English aristocrat, was the first to invent a flush toilet for Queen Elizabeth I, but the system was not yet popular.
It was not until the 18th and 19th centuries, thanks to the development of urban water supply and drainage systems, that toilet designs with flushing water began to be improved.
When the plumbing and flushing system was invented, the term "Water Closet" was used to distinguish it from other forms of sanitation. Due to the tactfulness of Western culture, people often abbreviated "Water Closet" to "WC" on signs. Later, the abbreviation "WC" gradually became an international symbol to replace the word "Toilet" in public signs and directions.
Thanks to its brevity, ease of understanding and non-offensiveness, "WC" is increasingly popular globally, especially in Europe and Asia.
Source: https://vtcnews.vn/tu-wc-ban-thay-hang-ngay-nhung-khong-ai-biet-y-nghia-thuc-cua-no-la-gi-ar945553.html
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