Expert: David Stewart White - 3/27/2011

Question
Pardon my off color question but what is the root word from the British word "Lou"? I know it mean bathroom or toilet, but what is the full word that Lou comes from? In the U.S. we use the term, crapper, shitter, pot, commode. Does Lou refer to the actual toilet device or the room in which this occurs?

Answer
Well, my favorite theory for the word "loo" (not "lou") is from the French expression "Gardez l'eau" (literally: "Watch out for the water!") That was the warning shouted by those emptying chamber pots out their windows for the unlucky souls walking in the street below. Keep in mind that Britain was invaded by French-speaking Normans in 1066 and French was spoken by many people in what is now Britain.

You might be interested to know that the term "Crapper" is also British. Thomas Crapper was a plumber in 19th Century London.  His company, which is still in the business (pun intended), installed indoor toilets for the well-off in London.  

So, something to think about the next time you are on the...nevermind!