4 Responses to “The family that pees together”

1. Rachel Andrew on March 30th, 2010 3:27 pm

   Why in America is the toilet called a restroom? You don’t go in there for a rest. Also “bathroom” – there is no bath in a public loo. That would be a different kind of place entirely.

2. Liam on March 30th, 2010 11:15 pm

   @ Rachel,

   I’m not entirely sure why it’s called a restroom. If I had to guess, I would think that it harkens back to the puritanical roots of the US. Speaking directly of urinating would offend proper sensitivities.

   I can tell you that it is considered rude in America to ask where the toilet is. In America, the toilet is the bowl itself – and does not refer to the room. Asking for the men’s room, the restroom, the washroom, etc. is acceptable.

   And it’s never called a cloakroom. If you’re told to use the cloakroom in the US, you are being advised to pee on people’s coats.

3. Jim on May 3rd, 2010 10:51 pm

   @Rachel,

   Actually, Americans do rest quite a lot while using the “toilet”. It’s common for Americans to bring magazines and bathroom readers (yes we have a book genre for this) to help them slow down and enjoy a small break from the hectic pace of life. It was a welcomed sanctuary for during some of the hectic days in the corporate world.

4. Jim on May 3rd, 2010 10:51 pm

   *for me

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