Comments on: Eau de toilette nomenclature

Question: Eau de toilette nomenclature

borkingchikapa — Thu, 09 Dec 2004 14:17:09 -0800

What is the difference between eau de toilette and cologne? More importantly, why is it called "toilet water"?

By: kindall

kindall — Thu, 09 Dec 2004 14:23:50 -0800

It's called "toilet water" because it's water you apply to your body during your toilet, i.e. dressing and grooming.

By: ParisParamus

ParisParamus — Thu, 09 Dec 2004 14:25:04 -0800

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.

By: grouse

grouse — Thu, 09 Dec 2004 14:28:06 -0800

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.

By: modofo

modofo — Thu, 09 Dec 2004 14:34:32 -0800

a couple answers to the first question.

By: ParisParamus

ParisParamus — Thu, 09 Dec 2004 14:39:02 -0800

In Paris, dogs and cats "faire" their own "toilet," but that doesn't mean that use the bathroom...

By: sid

sid — Thu, 09 Dec 2004 14:41:53 -0800

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.

By: Lola_G

Lola_G — Thu, 09 Dec 2004 14:44:41 -0800

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.

By: sid

sid — Thu, 09 Dec 2004 14:49:56 -0800

I was wrong: apparently eau de cologne originated in Italy.

By: fishfucker

fishfucker — Thu, 09 Dec 2004 14:59:03 -0800

testing. sorry. it's grouse's fault

By: grouse

grouse — Thu, 09 Dec 2004 15:01:35 -0800

yes, sorry

By: dabitch

dabitch — Thu, 09 Dec 2004 16:11:20 -0800

why are we whispering?

By: fishfucker

fishfucker — Thu, 09 Dec 2004 17:06:48 -0800

because there are librarians afoot! ssh!

By: XiBe

XiBe — Fri, 10 Dec 2004 01:57:12 -0800

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...