Eau de toilette nomenclature

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 Writing & Language (13 answers 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