washroom, bathroom, or restroom (Chicago: home, store, remodeling)

[chiak]

What word do you use when you need to use the toilet? I grew up on the southwest side and I use any of the 3: washroom, bathroom, or restroom. When I ask someone in another state where the "washroom" is they do not know what I am talking about! They look at me like I am from another planet. Now I am wondering if others from Chicago say this or did I just start something?!!!

[linicx]

No. Every state is different. Bathroom usually works in most states. Sometimes people are so dense, you have to be blunt. This happened to me in a major home remodeling store in Illinois. I finally said, "Ok, where's the TOILET??? I gotta go right NOW!"

[Avengerfire]

Well the instinctive natural one for me is bathroom. It depends who I am talking to. I am able to use all terms depending on where I am at.

[chiak]

I finally said, "Ok, where's the TOILET??? I gotta go right NOW!" linicx that was classic!
I can understand that maybe people might use another word, but to not comprehend a simple word washroom where you use the toilet and wash your hands.. it drives me crazy when they look at me like I am crazy!!

How about for a drink- water fountain- I have heard that somewhere they call it a bubbler!

I was amazed that in Wisconsin, around La Crosse, they say
"STOP GO lights" for the traffic signal that Chicagoans refer to as the stop light. That was a new one on me! It sounds kinda cutesy. If we are going to add to the "stop light" technically maybe it should be "stop, go, slow" lights

[Avengerfire]

I just say "the light" usually for a traffic signal light.

[chicagocubs]

down south, you will never hear "washroom", they will think you are talking another language. Because it is more "polite", you will always hear "restroom".

However, overseas, the signs will always loudly proclaim (if they are in English); "TOILET"

[chiak]

Because it is more "polite", you will always hear "restroom".

I am curious as to how that would be more polite?
Are we pretending that we would only enter a room to rest and would never speak of the toilet area?

[whatnow]

Originally Posted by chiak

I am curious as to how that would be more polite?
Are we pretending that we would only enter a room to rest and would never speak of the toilet area?

One thing for sure, your bladder (etc) will be "rested" after you use the "restroom", right?!
I grew up in Chicago and can see using all three samples; however, I use the word restroom.
I think we should start saying "where's the POTTY?", ha-ha!!

[soulful]

I use "restroom" when I am in a situation where formality is important. 9 times out of 10 I simply say "bathroom" and that's my preference.

Outside the U.S., I find "toilet" is most efficient and works pretty universally.

[chicagocubs]

Originally Posted by chiak

I am curious as to how that would be more polite?
Are we pretending that we would only enter a room to rest and would never speak of the toilet area?

Certainly. Southerners are too delicate to refer to anything else! And, only the most vulgar would...