"Toilet water" is an informal and somewhat dated term used to refer to eau de toilette, a type of perfumed liquid. While not strictly "slang" in the sense of a hidden or completely different meaning, it functions as a common, albeit less elegant, English equivalent for the French term.
Understanding Eau de Toilette
Eau de toilette is a type of fragrance that is lighter and typically less concentrated than perfume (or parfum). It is characterized as:
- A perfumed liquid designed to impart a pleasant scent.
- Lighter than cologne, meaning it has a lower concentration of fragrance oils.
- Synonymous with terms like essence and perfume in a general sense, though it specifically denotes a particular concentration level within the fragrance family.
Why "Toilet Water" as an Informal Term?
The term "toilet water" is a direct, literal translation of the French "eau de toilette." Over time, while "eau de toilette" became the more widely accepted and sophisticated term in the fragrance industry, "toilet water" persisted in common parlance. Its informal usage stems from:
- Literal translation: It directly translates the French term, which includes the word "toilette." In French, "toilette" refers more broadly to grooming and personal care, including bathing and dressing, not just the plumbing fixture.
- Accessibility: It's an easily understood English phrase, making the product name more accessible to a general audience who might not be familiar with French terminology.
- Informal context: In casual conversations, people might use "toilet water" as a quicker or more familiar way to refer to this specific type of fragrance, even if it carries slightly less prestige than "eau de toilette."
In essence, while it is the formal name for a category of fragrance, its direct translation can make it sound less refined, leading to its perception as an informal or colloquial alternative to "eau de toilette."
