29
Aug
2009
Restroom/Bathroom/Washroom
Three lovely words to describe where humans do their dirty business, and none of them actually describe what is actually done.
Restroom: If anyone things their resting while in there, I have to wonder what I’ve been doing wrong. I think this word is much more appropriate for a bedroom where you can get some real resting done. This really isn’t appropriate in language today.
Bathroom: Does it have a bath in it? About 50% chance in a house, no chance in a restaurant. Are you going to use it? Maybe 20-25% of the time in a given day but I usually don’t need to actually say “I’m going to the bathroom to have a bath.” when it is much simpler to say “I’m going to have a bath.” and location is implied. (Note: I don’t take baths, but I don’t want to call it a showerroom either.)
Washroom: Yes, it is part of the process. A very important part I might add. And you can just do a wash by itself. But it does NOT represent the majority of the going ons in the “washroom”. But this does seem to be the best choice to describe the room while still avoiding all the actual subject.
We’ve talked about this before, haven’t we
Like I said before: old fashioned! ‘Rest’ especially. Lavatories (another!) have become very nitty-gritty for what they really are. Gone are the days of “powdering” one’s nose or retiring to chat with the ladies.
You’re also living in North America. European washrooms can be a lot more involved than here. You don’t see any bidets around here