le petit coin
playful, euphemism
The playful way to say "bathroom" in French is le petit coin, literally "the little corner". The crude slang word is les chiottes. It is also called les WC and les toilettes.
Meaning: toilet (phrase)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| le petit coin | playful, euphemism |
| les chiottes | slang, vulgar |
| les WC | everyday |
| les toilettes | standard |
People say Je vais au petit coin when they step out to use the toilet. Où sont les toilettes ? is the question to ask in a restaurant or shop.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Les toilettes is the normal polite word and les WC is also common. Les chiottes is vulgar and fits only with close friends.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not ask for les chiottes in a restaurant or from a stranger. It sounds rude.
Did you know?
- The abbreviation WC is said letter by letter in French, close to "vay-say".
Examples in context
- Où sont les toilettes, s'il vous plaît ?Where is the bathroom, please?
- Il n'y a plus de papier dans les chiottes.There is no paper left in the loo.
Example conversation
Lucas and his friend Emma are having lunch at a café.
- LucasJe reviens, je vais au petit coin.I will be back, I am going to the bathroom.
- EmmaIls sont au fond à gauche.They are at the back on the left.
- LucasMerci.Thanks.
