sounds unusual, but when flushing toilets were introduced, the idea was considered a major improvement in hygiene and sanitation.
The expression eventually became abbreviated to the simple WC, which was convenient for signs and public buildings.
Where Did the Water Closet Come From?
One important early development came from Sir John Harrington, an English courtier and godson of Queen Elizabeth I.
Around 1596, Harrington described and built an early flushing toilet, which he called a water closet. One of his prototypes was installed for Queen Elizabeth I at Richmond Palace.
