27 February – A word on cloakrooms

I’m certain to have more to say on the subject at a later time, but here is a English euphemism I’ve just learned and am very fond of:

In addition to WC and loo, a term for the restroom* is cloak room.  I would think that the misuse of this phrase could lead to one definitely finding themselves on a most unfavored guest list for the rest of their lives. 

Curious as to how these two rooms of very different service (outside perhaps a frat house), came to share the same name, I found this bit of wisdom on Wikipedia:

“The name takes it origin from castles in the middle ages. The toilet was used to hang the cloaks of the occupants. The reason behind this was that the ammonia contained in urine would kill fleas and insects that would infest the clothing.” 

*Restroom is in fact rather an odd thing to call it as well.  I couldn’t find its etymology – but did discover that there is an American Restroom Association.  Of course there is.

PS: I’m always on the lookout for homonyms that are also antonyms and wonder if they ever cause great issue – like raise and raze on a building site. Any you send me would be most appreciated. Also fun untranslatables, often in German and French which prove that even with all the English words we have and develop, we still have such a colorful road ahead of us. Please send those too.