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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?
Fascinating question - thank you!
The UK spelling is actually "loo" and refers to both the room and the actual, err, "item"!
It has 2 possible roots that I know of - a shortening of lavatory, the very polite word for a toilet.
Also, a lot of English words are originally Indian, and a particular Indian word for a hot wind is a "loo".
Think of curries, perhaps!
Alun
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Answers by Expert:
Alun Hill MCIJ
Expertise
As a full time, UK based, travel journalist, I travel almost constantly around the whole of the UK, searching out restaurants, hotels and "must see" places. Visitors for both business and pleasure are welcome to ask questions. I almost always travel by public transport, so questions on rail, air and coach / bus travel are also very welcome. I also regularly write about and use the "Eurostar" rail service between London and Continental Europe - which uses a tunnel under the English Channel - so I am able to help with any questions there, too.
Experience
I'm a full time, UK based, travel journalist. I travel almost constantly around the whole of the UK, searching out restaurants, hotels and "must see" places for my readers. I have been writing about, filming and reporting from UK tourism destinations for over 12 years. I cover both "business" and "pleasure" trips for my readers.
Organizations
I am a member of the "Chartered Institute of Journalists" (the world's oldest professional body for journalists), the "British Association of Journalists" and "The International Travel Writers Alliance". I hold a full UK Press Card, issued by the Metropolitan Police at Scotland Yard, London.
Publications
National and local press in UK.
Local and National TV in the UK and Europe (Germany, Hungary), reporting on travel and tourism in the UK.
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