Memory Lane: November 19, 2005. Bathroom v. Restroom.

how does that saying go, "old habits die hard"? well i've officially lived in the united states for 3 months, and before that i've vacationed and visited several times but there is just one thing i can't quite seem to get over.

the simple fact that americans don't call a washroom a washroom. you ask someone in a public place where the washroom is and they look at you with a funny face like i'm speaking another language. "oh you must mean the restroom, or the bathroom" i guess its just a habit, because i make this same mistake in seattle, new york, las vegas, miami, charlotte, atlanta, basically any american city where i've ever had to use the washroom. i've done this a few times since i've been in minneapolis, and it always seems to provide a chuckle for my american counterparts.

i just have to ask, why would you not call it a washroom. i'm not looking to rest when i go a public restroom. i'm not looking to take a bath when i go to a public bathroom. then i remembered, a good friend once told me that americans don't say washroom because most americans don't wash their hands. and that's all i needed to know and more then i ever wanted to hear.

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