2006-10-26 01:58:08 · 21 answers · asked by Muffin 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
This is a practice handed down from the days when American lavatories were more elaborate - containing lounges, a shoe shine stand, complimentary combs, and places to sit and take it easy. In fine hotels, train stations, restaurants, and large corporations, "rest rooms" were once places where you actually went to take a break in addition to being able to use the toilet. Contrast a public urinal on the streets of the Netherlands with the rest room at the Ritz-Carlton in New York - you'll get the picture!!
2006-10-26 02:09:00 · answer #1 · answered by texascrazyhorse 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Many years ago, and there still exists in high end establishments, were lounges for ladies and gentlemen. There, one could sit and relax, drink a beverage, talk to people and sit and read. When I go to the theater in NewYork, the "rest rooms" all have lounges to sit as a separate room from the tolets and sinks.
2006-10-26 09:02:51 · answer #2 · answered by Nancy S 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have three kids, so sometimes I may linger on the throne a few extra minutes for a moments rest.
This one guy at my last job used to take his book into the stall and read it for up to 2 hours! I would call that a rest.
2006-10-26 09:00:36 · answer #3 · answered by barter256 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ther were called that because of the rest areas..were peolpe can to rest after long drive..or on Trips
2006-10-26 09:00:57 · answer #4 · answered by babo1dm 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some high-end places you could practically live in! And it's not a "bathroom" in a public place because there is no bath. And instead of saying "I gotta go potty" it sounds better to say "Excuse me, I need to use the restroom".
2006-10-26 10:10:18 · answer #5 · answered by chefgrille 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
never made sense to me. But too, if it's a public facility we certainly don't call it a bathroom....no bath....maybe rest room is the polite term.
2006-10-26 09:20:34 · answer #6 · answered by <><><> 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really is a silly title, but u call it a water closet or loo, and it is not really a closet and what the heck is a loo. Just chock it up to cultural differences.
2006-10-27 13:56:18 · answer #7 · answered by Jim G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know..
I have always called it a rest room but you are right...
I don't get much rest in there....
Why do you call it a "loo" ??
Whats a loo ?
2006-10-26 09:07:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In public, rest room is alot more polite than, shitter, crapper, john, head, can and other crude terms I've heard. I like the Canadian term "wash room" too.
2006-10-26 09:45:35 · answer #9 · answered by livingstonseagull43 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I enjoy spending hours resting on the john, especially on my company's dime.
2006-10-26 09:00:21 · answer #10 · answered by morts 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋