Perhaps the most common way to say ‘toilet’ in the United States is to say ‘bathroom’. A bathroom usually refers to a room with a bath in it, but when Americans refer to a bathroom they usually mean a room with only a toilet and washbasin. In all English speaking countries, if you ask “where is the bathroom?”, you will be shown to a toilet.
Washroom (US)
‘Washroom’ is another formal word that most English speakers will understand. It is mostly used in the USA.
Restroom (US)
‘Restroom’ is a safe term to use in the United States and won’t offend anyone. When traveling on motorways, signs may appear announcing “rest stops”. These rest stops will have toilets. In other English speaking countries, however, some people may be confused by restroom, and could even point you towards a bedroom, or somewhere else where you can rest.
Men’s Room, Ladies’ Room, Little Boys’ Room” or “Little Girls’ Room
(UK, Ireland, US, Australia)
It is common to use the terms ‘Men’s Room’, ‘Ladies’ Room’ when asking for the toilet. Sometimes native English speakers will use the terms ‘Little Boys’ Room’ or ‘Little Girls’ Room’, however these terms are often considered rather childish.
Ladies and Gents
(UK, Ireland, Australia)
Ladies and gents are common term for men’s and women’s toilets. These are perfectly polite terms.
The Loo
(UK, Ireland)
In the United Kingdom, “the loo” is a common term for toilet. ‘The loo’ is generally a safe term to use and likely won’t offend anyone.
Lavatory (UK)
‘Lavatory’ is a good option for people looking for a very formal word to use in very formal occasions. In the United Kingdom, some people will shorten lavatory to just ‘lav’ and when they do it becomes quite informal.
Informal and slang ways to say toilet
Bog (UK, Ireland)
‘Bog’ is another other common term in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is not rude but is considered informal.
Jacks (Ireland)
In Ireland, the ‘jacks’ is a very common way to refer to a toilet. If you are having a drink in an ordinary pub it is ok to use but if you are in a fancy restaurant it is considered rude.
The John (US)
Some people in the United States will also use the term ‘the John’. This is quite informal. While it is generally okay to use this term among friends, if said at the wrong time, it might offend people.
Dunny
The word ‘dunny’ is used in Australia and New Zealand to refer to toilet.
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