December 9, 2004

2:17 PM

What is the difference between eau de toilette and cologne? More importantly, why is it called "toilet water"?
posted by borkingchikapa to (13 comments total)

It's called "toilet water" because it's water you apply to your body during your toilet, i.e. dressing and grooming.
posted by kindall at 2:23 PM on December 9, 2004

To answer the second question first, "toilet" = bathroom in French, but is not vulgar in any way. first question: I think cologne is stronger, closer to, or equal to perfume/parfum. But I could be wrong.

And remember, shower in French is DOUCHE.
posted by ParisParamus at 2:25 PM on December 9, 2004

Even in English toilet has multiple meanings (Merriam-Webster):

1toi•let \"toi-let\ noun [MF toilette cloth put over the shoulders while dressing the hair or shaving, dim. of toile cloth] (ca. 1695)
1 archaic : dressing table
2 : the act or process of dressing and grooming oneself
3 a (1) : bathroom, lavatory 2
(2) : privy
b : a fixture that consists usu. of a water-flushed bowl and seat and is used for defecation and urination
4 : cleansing in preparation for or in association with a medical or surgical procedure (a pharyngeal toilet)

We are talking about meaning #2 here.
posted by grouse at 2:28 PM on December 9, 2004

a couple answers to the first question.
posted by modofo at 2:34 PM on December 9, 2004

In Paris, dogs and cats "faire" their own "toilet," but that doesn't mean that use the bathroom...
posted by ParisParamus at 2:39 PM on December 9, 2004

I believe that eau de toilette is a generic term for a weaker parfum, whereas eau de cologne is a specific concoction that originated in Cologne, Germany.
posted by sid at 2:41 PM on December 9, 2004

Then there is parfum or perfume which is more concentrated. The cheaper the bottle the more water and alcohol. Parfum is typically incredibly expensive for a very small bottle. Though a little goes a long way.
posted by Lola_G at 2:44 PM on December 9, 2004

I was wrong: apparently eau de cologne originated in Italy.
posted by sid at 2:49 PM on December 9, 2004

testing. sorry. it's grouse's fault
posted by fishfucker at 2:59 PM on December 9, 2004

yes, sorry
posted by grouse at 3:01 PM on December 9, 2004

why are we whispering?
posted by dabitch at 4:11 PM on December 9, 2004

because there are librarians afoot! ssh!
posted by fishfucker at 5:06 PM on December 9, 2004

Just to add some French falvor to this thread, in French "bathroom" = "salle de bain" and "toilettes" = "water closet".
There. I'm sure you feel better already. Just doin' my part, ma'am, just doin' my part...
posted by XiBe at 1:57 AM on December 10, 2004