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    In Britain we say we are 'spending a penny' when we go to the loo. What do they call it in the rest of Europe?

    Question #21292. Asked by Sweet Pea. (Aug 10 02 3:00 PM)


    Son of The Household Cavalry

    		Euro-nating?

    Aug 10 02, 3:21 PM
    Barrow boy

    		Yank, the loo is the bathroom.
    Years ago, local authorities would provide 'public conveniences' where the populace could go to answer the call of nature. If you wanted to enter the cubicle, you had to put a penny (of pounds shillings and pence fame) into a slot and the door would then unlock, hence spend a penny. I believe this was unique of British culture and would therefore not translate in other European languages.

    From my experience most Europeans would openly say they were going to their cultural equivalent of the loo/bathroom. In France they would say toilets or wc, although colloquially you can say 'little corner'. In Germany, they call it the 'Klo' - short for Klosset (closet). I'm sure the list goes on and on. Estonian and Serbo-Croat speakers are invited to participate!

    Aug 10 02, 4:02 PM
    Yank

    		In the States we call it The John.

    Aug 10 02, 4:31 PM

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