What is the slang for toilet in the UK?

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In Britain, loo is a common and acceptable informal word for a toilet. Its origins hint at a less sanitary past, connected to the emptying of chamber pots from upper-story windows – a practice thankfully relegated to history.

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What is the Slang for Toilet in the UK?

In the UK, the word “loo” is a common and widely accepted informal term for a toilet. The origins of this slang term provide a glimpse into a less hygienic past.

The term “loo” is believed to have originated from the French phrase “garde-loo,” which was used as a warning cry before chamber pots were emptied from upper-story windows onto the streets below. This practice, thankfully, has become a thing of the past, but the term “loo” has persisted as a euphemism for a toilet.

Other slang terms for toilet in the UK include:

  • Bog: This term is particularly common in Scotland.
  • Lavatory: This formal term is often used in public places.
  • WC: Short for “water closet,” this term is also frequently used in public restrooms.
  • Throne: This humorous term refers to the fact that toilets are often used for private, contemplative purposes.

While the term “loo” is widely accepted in the UK, it is important to note that it may be considered inappropriate in some formal or professional settings. In such contexts, it is generally advisable to use a more formal term such as “toilet” or “restroom.”