# When did toilet paper stop being called that? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [September 3, 2023, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-toilet-paper-stop-being-called-that/989559 "2023-09-03T22:02:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![DKW](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dkw/32/3118_2.png) [@DKW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DKW)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2023, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-toilet-paper-stop-being-called-that/989559/1 "2023-09-03T22:02:42Z")
Quick one before I go out shopping… So I was at Costco yesterday, and I remembered that I’m starting to run low on toilet paper. I walked past the paper towels (none of which are identified as such) to the familiar packages of short, thick rolls. I got one case of the in-store brand’s (Kirkland Signature) “bath tissue”. I noticed that at least one of the other brands available is called bath tissue as well. Returning home, I looked at the toilet paper I got previously, Sam’s Club’s in-store brand (Member’s Mark), and saw that it’s called exactly the same. I can’t remember a time when this stuff was ever actually called toilet paper…on the packaging, in a commercial, in a sale catalog, anywhere. And that’s weird because I’ve _never_ called it anything else. I don’t even know that there’s a slang term for it (abbreviations don’t count). We’re long past the time of calling toilets “water closets”. What exactly is happening here? ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2023, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-toilet-paper-stop-being-called-that/989559/2 "2023-09-03T22:15:40Z")
Amazon still calls its product toilet paper and lists other brands under that heading (though the competitors’ labels either call it nothing at all or bathroom tissue). [https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Brand-Presto-308-Sheet-Ultra-Strong/dp/B074CR89PR/ref=mp\_s\_a\_1\_6\_ffob\_sspa?crid=3HQXXGV6ZBLN2&keywords=toilet+paper&qid=1693779020&sprefix=toilet%2Caps%2C228&sr=8-6-spons&sp\_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfbXRm&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Brand-Presto-308-Sheet-Ultra-Strong/dp/B074CR89PR/ref=mp_s_a_1_6_ffob_sspa?crid=3HQXXGV6ZBLN2&keywords=toilet+paper&qid=1693779020&sprefix=toilet%2Caps%2C228&sr=8-6-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfbXRm&psc=1) Face it, toilet is not a word with pretty connotations, though better than if you sold Ultra Comfort Ass Wipe. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2023, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-toilet-paper-stop-being-called-that/989559/3 "2023-09-03T22:39:07Z")
For as long as I can remember, “bathroom tissue” has been the “polite” name for the product, used on packaging, while “toilet paper” has been the _real_ name that real people use. Similarly, what real people call simply “tissues” or “Kleenex” is sold in packages that call it “facial tissues.” > [@Jackmannii](#): > > Ultra Comfort Ass Wipe By analogy, shouldn’t toilet paper be called “assial tissue”? ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2023, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-toilet-paper-stop-being-called-that/989559/4 "2023-09-03T23:05:12Z")
Count yourself lucky with the modern circumlocutions. It was originally called “Medicated Paper for the Water Closet” [Unraveling the History of Toilet Paper | Cottonelle® Canada](https://www.cottonelle.com/en-ca/tips-advice/toilet-paper-101/toilet-paper-history#:~:text=And%20finally%20in%201857%2C%20a,was%20printed%20on%20every%20sheet). ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2023, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-toilet-paper-stop-being-called-that/989559/5 "2023-09-03T23:12:50Z")
That link mentions Rabelais, but doesn’t mention that he said the neck of a goose was the best arse wipe. “But, to conclude, I say and maintain, that of all torcheculs, arsewisps, bumfodders, tail-napkins, bunghole cleansers, and wipe-breeches, there is none in the world comparable to the neck of a goose, that is well downed, if you hold her head betwixt your legs. And believe me therein upon mine honour, for you will thereby feel in your nockhole a most wonderful pleasure, both in regard of the softness of the said down and of the temporate heat of the goose, which is easily communicated to the bum-gut and the rest the inwards, in so far as to come even to the regions of the heart and brains.” ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2023, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-toilet-paper-stop-being-called-that/989559/6 "2023-09-03T23:14:24Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > > [@Jackmannii](#): > > > > Ultra Comfort Ass Wipe > > By analogy, shouldn’t toilet paper be called “assial tissue”? Those with skin in the game call it “anal tissue”. ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2023, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-toilet-paper-stop-being-called-that/989559/7 "2023-09-03T23:32:36Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > Face it, toilet is not a word with pretty connotations Can’t be that bad > **[Libre Eau de Toilette Yves Saint Laurent perfume - a fragrance for women 2021](https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Yves-Saint-Laurent/Libre-Eau-de-Toilette-65936.html)** > > A lighter, fresher take on the LIBRE signature fragrance. Twisting the original blend of lavender and orange blossom with white tea. Starring Dua Lipa, Global Fragrance Ambassador for YSL Beauty. > > L... ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2023, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-toilet-paper-stop-being-called-that/989559/8 "2023-09-04T00:09:00Z")
The “ette” makes it très jolie. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2023, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-toilet-paper-stop-being-called-that/989559/9 "2023-09-04T00:33:27Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > For as long as I can remember, “bathroom tissue” has been the “polite” name for the product, used on packaging, while “toilet paper” has been the _real_ name that real people use. That’s my recollection going back 60-ish years. ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2023, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-toilet-paper-stop-being-called-that/989559/10 "2023-09-04T00:42:46Z")
Caboo, which is made from bamboo, explicitly compares itself to “toilet paper” on its wrapping. ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2023, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-toilet-paper-stop-being-called-that/989559/11 "2023-09-04T00:50:43Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > “toilet paper” has been the _real_ name that real people use. you mean “arse paper” ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2023, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-toilet-paper-stop-being-called-that/989559/12 "2023-09-04T01:42:29Z")
Not a term I’ve ever heard before this thread. So no, I don’t mean that. You may well however. ---
**Author:** ![rippingtons\_fan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rippingtons_fan/32/11767_2.png) [@rippingtons\_fan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rippingtons_fan)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2023, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-toilet-paper-stop-being-called-that/989559/13 "2023-09-04T01:48:03Z")
It’s best with pictures of Trump on it. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2023, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-toilet-paper-stop-being-called-that/989559/14 "2023-09-04T02:06:00Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > while “toilet paper” has been the _real_ name that real people use. I thought the _real_ name for that product is _shit paper_. ---
**Author:** ![Keith1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/6de8d8/32.png) [@Keith1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Keith1)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2023, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-toilet-paper-stop-being-called-that/989559/15 "2023-09-04T02:33:14Z")
> [@DKW](#): > > What exactly is happening here? Another case of advertising people attempting to justify their existence. You may also have noticed that Costco has cut back not only on the quality of the paper but also the number of sheets per roll. And are charging more for it. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2023, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-toilet-paper-stop-being-called-that/989559/16 "2023-09-04T02:44:23Z")
We taught the grand kids to say “necessary paper” I thought in was quite genius. Seems I got it from a western. That I don’t remember. ---
**Author:** ![Francis\_Vaughan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/francis_vaughan/32/3093_2.png) [@Francis\_Vaughan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Francis_Vaughan)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2023, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-toilet-paper-stop-being-called-that/989559/17 "2023-09-04T02:44:45Z")
“Toilet” itself is a polite euphemism. Not far removed from “ladies powder room”. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2023, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-toilet-paper-stop-being-called-that/989559/18 "2023-09-04T03:22:20Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > We taught the grand kids to say “necessary paper” I vaguely remember an old Boy Scout campfire skit: “Bring me my _important_ paper!” ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2023, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-toilet-paper-stop-being-called-that/989559/19 "2023-09-04T03:49:34Z")
Was anyone raised in a family that used “family cloths”? ---
**Author:** ![Digger11](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/838e76/32.png) [@Digger11](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digger11)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2023, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-toilet-paper-stop-being-called-that/989559/20 "2023-09-04T04:16:39Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > Face it, toilet is not a word with pretty connotations Are you sure about that? > **[Lady at Her Toilet, Unknown Dutch, 17th century ^ Minneapolis Institute of Art](https://collections.artsmia.org/art/1838/lady-at-her-toilet-unknown-dutch-17th-century)** [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-toilet-paper-stop-being-called-that/989559.md?page=2)