Why Is Bathroom Called Head

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Post on Nov 03, 2024

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Why Is the Bathroom Called the "Head"?

Have you ever wondered why we call the room where we go to the bathroom the "head"? It's a common phrase, but it seems a bit odd when you think about it. We don't typically associate our bathroom needs with our head, right?

This seemingly odd naming convention actually has a fascinating history, rooted in the evolution of plumbing and the way people used to live.

A Look Back in Time: The Origins of the "Head"

The term "head" in relation to the bathroom actually refers to the "privy head," which was a separate small building located in the backyard of a house. This was the standard toilet facility in the 16th and 17th centuries in England.

So, why was this privy structure called the "head"?

It's all about the placement. The "head" of the building was the part that faced the street. This placement ensured that the privy's main entrance was hidden from view, respecting the privacy of the occupants.

The Evolution of the Bathroom: From Privy to Modernity

Over time, the privy head gradually became incorporated into the main house. However, the name "head" remained, even as the design and function of the toilet facilities changed dramatically.

By the 18th century, indoor toilets were becoming more common, and the term "head" began to be used to describe the entire room containing the toilet, rather than just the separate structure itself.

Today, the term "bathroom" has largely replaced "head," especially in modern English usage. However, the historical connection between the terms is still visible in the way we talk about "going to the head," even if we rarely see a separate "privy head" anymore.

So, "Head" for the Bathroom: A Legacy of Privacy

The term "head" for the bathroom, therefore, is a reminder of a time when privacy and sanitation were very different from today. It's a fascinating example of how language evolves and reflects changes in our society and the way we live.

While it's a term that might seem out of place now, understanding its origins gives us a glimpse into the past and a sense of the changing landscape of domestic life.