Powder room
Meaning: Euphemism for ladies' toilet; women's restroom.
'Powder room' is a polite euphemism for a ladies' toilet—ostensibly where women go to powder their noses. Often used in upscale venues. A delicate way for women to excuse themselves.
Examples
- I'm just going to the powder room. 我去一下化妆间Voy un momento al tocadorちょっとお化粧室に行ってきます잠깐 화장실에 다녀올게요.
- The powder room is on the left. 化妆间在左边El tocador está a la izquierdaパウダールームは左手にあります파우더룸은 왼쪽에 있습니다.
- Where's the powder room? 化妆间在哪里?¿Dónde está el tocador?パウダールームはどこですか?파우더룸은 어디인가요?
Pronunciation
/ˈpaʊdə ruːm/
Usage Guide
Context: ladies' toilet, upscale venues
Tone: polite, refined
✓ Do Say
- Polite term for ladies' room女士洗手间的礼貌称呼término educado para el aseo de señoras女性用トイレの丁寧な呼び方여성용 화장실의 정중한 표현
✗ Don't Say
- Only for women仅用于女性Solo para mujeres女性専用の表現여성에게만 사용
Common Mistakes
- Specifically women's toilet
Origin & History
From 18th century rooms where women refreshed their powder (makeup). Became euphemism for ladies' toilet. Implies a certain elegance and discretion about bodily functions.
Etymology: From rooms for refreshing makeup powder
First recorded: 18th century
Cultural Context
Era: 18th century onwards
Generation: All ages
Social background: Upper/middle class
Pop culture: Elegant settings
Regional notes: American and British. For women only.
Variations
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