Watching some British series or reading some British news might have you wondering about the things and slang words they use for the toilet. While most regions have some sort of “polite” or “unique” way of referring to the toilet, the British certainly take the pie for sounding both weird and polite. Nonetheless, the modern toilet is a British invention and for that we are thankful. Due to the significance of toilets, we will be exploring the various slang words for it in this article.
British Slang For Toilet (in Alphabetical Order)
Carsey/ Khazi
Meaning:
- (Noun) Originating from the Cockney region its usage is much more common with people in Liverpool. It comes from the Italian term casa meaning “house.” This slang refers to the lavatory or toilet itself.
- Example: Never use a public carsey. They are usually horrible and unkempt.
Cat And Dog
Meaning:
- (Noun) The Cockney rhyming slang for Bog or Toilet.
- Example: Our cat and dog’s plumbing got totaled after the earthquake.
Cloakroom
Meaning:
- (Noun) The British people use this slang for a public toilet room, especially inside a building.
- Example: The cloakroom is out of order. Some maintenance must have been required.
Gents
Meaning:
- (Noun) A British slang that comes from the shortening of the “gentlemen’s room,” which is a euphemistic reference to the lavatory for males.
- Example: I need to wash up in the gents. My hands are too sticky.
Ladies
Meaning:
- (Noun) As with the “Gents,” this British slang refers to the “ladies’ room” or the toilet designated to females.
- Example: My mom has been inside the ladies for a long time. Maybe she left me to settle the bills.
Lavvy
Meaning:
- (Noun) A corruption and shortening of the term “lavatory” by the people of the UK.
- Example: I think we need to remodel our lavvy. It is too slippery and bland.
Loo
Meaning:
- (Noun) This is probably the most recognized slang for the toilet from the British. It originates from the French.
- Example: The loo in this fancy restaurant is nice. It might be nicer than my entire apartment.
The Jacks
Meaning:
- (Noun) The Irish slang for toilet. The origin is unknown but it came into existence during the 16th Century.
- Example: Our camping grounds had some horrible jacks. We were forced to dig holes.
Ty Bach
Meaning:
- (Noun) Welsh slang term that translates to “little house” and points to the toilet or bathroom.
- Example: Portable ty bachs are nasty. I was lucky to be the first one to use it during the outdoor party.
