In Canada, why do they called the restroom the washroom?

Question

In Canada, why do they called the restroom the washroom?

Answer 1

It probably makes more sense than calling it a bathroom like a lot of us do in the US. People wash their hands in there (well, most people anyway), but nobody takes a bath. And "rest room?" Most people would rather sit on a bench or soft couch to rest.

All of these terms are spoken simply because nobody wants to call it what it's really used for. Personally, I think "men's room" and "ladies' room" are sufficient.

Answer 2

Um, maybe because you don't *rest* in there? I mean, seriously, come on. I live in Toronto and when I go to the States (I was born there) people look at me funny when I say washroom. But that's what it is, since hopefully you're washing your hands.

Answer 3

They use a bidet and wash everywhere.

Why do you call it a restroom?

Answer 4

Why do we call it a restoom when no one in their right mind would rest in a restroom?

FACT

Restroom is synonymous with washroom, public toilet, comfort room, toilet room, and bathroom. Some of these rooms also include a fully operational bathing facility such as a bathroom would have. But still the name restroom remains a bit confusing. More often now you will find, in North America anyway, restroom and bathroom used as the term for a public bathroom type facility.

Restroom and bathroom originated in the U.S. and they are the most prefered terms used in Canada and the U.S.. One Reason we have strayed away from saying bathroom in public areas is because bathrooms usually will have a bathtub as well. Public restrooms will not usually have a bathtub. If they did, I'd be slightly worried.

British folk have trouble with the word restroom simply because they remain hygienically confused; generally because people with quasi decent hygiene don't usually take a rest in a restroom. Hence the reason why it really shouldn't be dubbed "restroom". For the British folk, they still prefer bathroom as a general term for the p**p-er. Still we all remain hygienically confused with the term restroom in the U.S. and Canada!

http://factoidfaqs.blogspot.com/2007/04/...

PS:  IMO if you have to GO, the name doesn't matter.  As long as you are RELIEVE of PRESSURE

Answer 5

why in the US do they have "comfort" stations.  as long as you know the purpose of the water closet then it is just a name

Answer 6

Do you have a rest in there?  

Do you wash yourself in there?

Perhaps, but neither is really correct - they're two "polite" alternatives to try and avoid referring to the business done within!

I'm English and I call it a toilet - because that's what's in the room.

Answer 7

Does the name  really matter as long as it serves your purpose whether resting, washing or some thing else.

Answer 8

the woods

Answer 9

becasue restroom sounds like your going to sleep in a room and washroom sounds like your going to wash your self and you do and you wash your hands and it sounds much more appropriate

Answer 10

Spot on Rodders 8.