Word Up #1: Toilet Humour
The toilet is something we all take for granted; but imagine life without them!
The toilet has many names; including:
- Lavatory
- Toilet (obviously)
- Latrine
- Watercloset
- Potty
- Outhouse
- CR (comfort room)
- Backhouse
- Privy
- The head/heads
- The “bog”
- Dunny
- House of office
- Bedpan
- Chamberpot
- Netty
- Khazi
- Loo
The origin of the word “loo” is something that is still contended even today. However there are several theories regarding its etymology.
The first, and possibly most prevalent theory dates back to medieval times, when chamberpots were emptied from windows into a conduit in the middle of the v shaped streets. The waste would then simply be washed away with the next rain (this is possibly how London became imfamous for being able to be smelled before it could be seen).
Out of consideration for the people walking in the street, people would call out the phrase “garde le eau!” which, loosely translated from the French means “Watch out for the water!” Over time, probably out of sheer laziness, the phrase was shortened into “le eau!” or “water!”
Another theory is that loo is a derivation of the nautical term “lee”. Leeward, which is correctly pronounced “looward” means away from the wind. Early ships were not fitted with toilets and as a result, the sailors had to relieve themselves overboard. Especially when urinating, it was important that the sailors used the leeward side of the vessel, lest the urine be blown back onto the ship, and perhaps a none too happy sailor. Hence the term “pissing into the wind”.
The final noteworthy theory is that the word derives from the French, 17th century preacher, Louis Bourdaloue. The preacher’s sermons were notorious for lasting three hours or even more. According to rumours, women present in the services would bring along chamberpots that could easily be hidden inside their dresses; so that should the need arise, they could relieve themselves without suffering the embarrassment of getting up mid – sermon. These “travelling chamberpots” became known as “bourdaloues” after the preacher. This was eventually corrupted to “portaloos” and later shortened to “loos”.
Ponder that next time you visit your under-appreciated porcelain pal!
Click here to buy the Michael Syzmczyk book, “Toilet: The Novel”
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Wow i didnt know the "Loo" had that much history.
Indeed it does, Aimee. You'd be surprised at how many words and phrases that we still use today have fascinating origins and histories just like this one! This is what Etymologists study for a living. You can find more interesting word origins like this one in the posts entitled "word up"
great run down of the loo. makes me want to read the book. i remember watching a show with Kenny about loos overseas. i would never have believed that i could find information about loo s as interesting. In my childhood even burping was seen as disrespectful. (hence why I am unable to burb til this day) so you can imagine my surprise at finding this sort of talk interesting. Thanks or the enlightenment. I love to ;earn something new every day.