Lav vs. Toilet — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 7, 2024
Lav is colloquially used for bathroom facilities, while toilet specifically refers to the fixture for human waste.
Difference Between Lav and Toilet
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Lav" is a colloquial term, often used in informal contexts or certain regions, to refer to bathroom facilities or areas containing toilets. On the other hand, "toilet" is a more universally understood term that specifically denotes the plumbing fixture used for the disposal of human urine and feces.
The usage of "lav" can vary significantly by region and context, sometimes referring broadly to a room with a toilet and possibly other amenities like a sink. Whereas, "toilet" is precise in meaning, focusing solely on the fixture itself, regardless of its location within a home or public space.
In terms of etymology, "lav" is derived from "lavatory," which historically means a room for washing and has evolved in some dialects to refer more generally to toilet facilities. The term "toilet," however, originated from the French "toilette," which once referred to personal grooming and has since narrowed to mean the sanitary fixture.
Cultural perceptions also influence the usage of these terms. "Lav" might be perceived as a more polite or less direct way of referring to a toilet, especially in public or formal conversations. In contrast, "toilet" is straightforward and utilitarian, with no connotations beyond its practical function.
Despite their differences, in many contexts, both terms are used interchangeably when referring to the need to use restroom facilities, although "lav" may impart a slight ambiguity regarding whether the reference is to the room or the fixture itself.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A colloquial term for bathroom facilities.
A fixture for the disposal of human waste.
Usage Context
Informal, varies by region.
Universal, precise.
Etymology
Derived from "lavatory," originally meaning a place for washing.
From French "toilette," originally referring to dressing and grooming.
Cultural Perception
Often seen as polite or less direct.
Straightforward, utilitarian.
Specificity
Can refer to the room or the amenities within.
Specifically refers to the waste disposal fixture.
Compare with Definitions
Lav
Colloquial Usage.
He asked for the lav during the flight.
Toilet
Universal Understanding.
Toilet signs are recognized worldwide.
Lav
Informal Settings.
At the pub, patrons might ask for the lav.
Toilet
Lack of Ambiguity.
Instructions for cleaning often specify the toilet.
Lav
Ambiguity in Reference.
The sign pointed towards the lav on the left.
Toilet
Specific Fixture.
The toilet is next to the bathtub.
Lav
Regional Variance.
In some parts of the UK, lav is commonly used.
Toilet
Etymological Shift.
The term has evolved from grooming to refer specifically to the sanitation fixture.
Lav
Derived Meaning.
Originally, lavatories were rooms for washing.
Toilet
Utilitarian Reference.
Public facilities often label them as toilets.
Lav
HIV.
Toilet
A toilet is a piece of sanitary hardware that collects human urine and feces, and sometimes toilet paper, usually for disposal. Flush toilets use water, while dry or non-flush toilets do not.
Lav
Clipping of lavatory
Please, miss, I need to go to the lav.
Toilet
A fixed receptacle into which a person may urinate or defecate, typically consisting of a large bowl connected to a system for flushing away the waste into a sewer
Liz heard the toilet flush
A toilet seat
He got up to go to the toilet
Lav
Clipping of lavalier
When you’re recording interviews, it’s best to use a lav.
Toilet
The process of washing oneself, dressing, and attending to one's appearance
Her toilet completed, she finally went back downstairs
Lav
Same as lavatory{5}; - a shortened form of the word.
Toilet
Assist or supervise (someone, especially an infant or invalid) in using a toilet.
Lav
A room equipped with toilet facilities
Toilet
An apparatus for defecation and urination, usually consisting of a bowl fitted with a hinged seat and connected to a waste pipe and a flushing apparatus.
Toilet
A room or booth containing such an apparatus.
Toilet
The act or process of dressing or grooming oneself.
Toilet
Dress; attire; costume.
Toilet
The cleansing of a body area as part of a surgical or medical procedure.
Toilet
(Archaic) A dressing table.
Toilet
A room or enclosed area containing a fixture used for urination and defecation (i.e. a toilet (sense 2)): a bathroom or water closet.
Sorry, I was in the toilet.
Toilet
A fixture used for urination and defecation, particularly one with a large bowl and ring-shaped seat which uses water to flush the waste material into a septic tank or sewer system.
My toilet backed up. Now the bathroom's flooded.
Toilet
(figuratively) A very shabby or dirty place.
Toilet
(NZ) A small secondary lavatory having a fixture used for urination and defecation (i.e. a toilet (sense 2)) and sink but no bathtub or shower.toilet
Toilet
(obsolete) A covering of linen, silk, or tapestry, spread over a dressing table in a chamber or dressing room.
Toilet
(obsolete) The table covered by such a cloth; a dressing table.
Toilet
Personal grooming; the process of washing, dressing and arranging the hair.
Toilet
One's style of dressing: dress, outfit.
Toilet
(archaic) A dressing room.
Toilet
(obsolete) A chamber pot.
Toilet
(dated) To dress and groom oneself.
Toilet
To use the toilet.
Toilet
To assist another (a child, etc.) in using the toilet.
Toilet
A covering of linen, silk, or tapestry, spread over a table in a chamber or a dressing room.
Toilet
A dressing table.
Toilet
Act or mode of dressing, or that which is arranged in dressing; attire; dress; as, her toilet is perfect.
Toilet
A room equipped with toilet facilities
Toilet
A plumbing fixture for defecation and urination
Toilet
Misfortune resulting in lost effort or money;
His career was in the gutter
All that work went down the sewer
Pensions are in the toilet
Toilet
The act of dressing and preparing yourself;
He made his morning toilet and went to breakfast
Common Curiosities
Can lav mean something other than a toilet?
Yes, it can ambiguously refer to the entire room or area that houses the fixture.
Why might someone use lav instead of toilet?
"Lav" might be used for politeness or due to regional language preferences.
Is toilet usage universal?
Yes, the term "toilet" is understood worldwide to refer to the waste disposal fixture.
What does toilet specifically refer to?
A toilet refers to the plumbing fixture for disposing of human waste.
Is lav an informal term?
Yes, "lav" is more informal and its usage can depend on the context or region.
How did the term toilet evolve in meaning?
It shifted from a focus on dressing and grooming to specifically denote the sanitary fixture.
Are there regions where lav is preferred over toilet?
Yes, in some parts of the UK and other English-speaking regions, "lav" is more commonly used.
What is a lav used for?
A lav is used colloquially to refer to bathroom facilities.
Can the word lavatory be used interchangeably with lav and toilet?
"Lavatory" is more formal than "lav" and can refer to both the room and the fixture, similar to "toilet."
Why does toilet have a universal understanding?
Due to its specific reference to the waste disposal fixture, its meaning is clear and widely recognized.
What's the difference in etiquette between using lav and toilet?
Using "lav" might be seen as more polite or less direct in certain social settings.
Does the term toilet have any other meanings?
Historically, it related to personal grooming, but now it's primarily associated with the sanitary fixture.
Are there any other terms that are similar to lav and toilet?
Yes, terms like "bathroom," "restroom," "WC" (water closet), and "loo" are also used to refer to toilet facilities.
Is there a difference in public signage for lav and toilet?
Signage typically uses "toilet" for clarity, though "lav" may appear in less formal settings.
How do cultural perceptions affect the choice between lav and toilet?
Cultural norms and politeness can influence whether one term is preferred over the other in conversation.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
