In Britain we rest when we're fatigued. And I would've imagined a restroom to be with nice comfy arm chairs. But it seems in the USA there's another meaning - a restroom is to be used for excreting. We've also seen Restops on the highway, and it would appear that these aren't tended to weary drivers, who'd like to close their eyes for a few moments, but again they tended to be for excreting.
My interpretation is that to rest must have a different meaning. The question to the American readers is, is it OK to say "Excuse me, I'm just going to go for a rest. I'll be back in few minutes." Is 'restroom' used by those who see no logic in naming a room that does not have a bath in it a 'bathroom'? Is it considered vulgar to use the word 'toilet'? My main reason for writing this post is that I didn't want the American audience to misunderstand, when I said earlier: "The route was so strenuous, I had to rest on the rope."
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2 comments:
Anni,
I spent the day climbing with Tony, and so we have not met before. He gave me your blog address along with his email for photo exchange.
However, I hope to be of help in regards to your question regarding "resting" and "using the restroom."
In the US, we generally use "restroom" only as a formal or polite noun to describe where one needs to go for excretion.
"I need to use the restroom."
or
"Excuse me while I go to the restroom."
One may also use bathroom in exchange. 'Going to the toilet' is not a common phrase, and will likely be met with an extra moment of understanding by the listener, though it would not be considered a vulgar statement.
"Going for a poo" or "Needing to use the pisser" are generally unacceptable except between close friends and teenagers.
Hope this helps.
Jonathan, American, jpwil79@gmail.com
ps-- using "rest" in its verb function has nothing to do with using a toilet.
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