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When I hear about "facility" I immediately associate that with a building (like a company's headquarter, store, etc). However, some people say that it can be used to mean a "WC." Is this true? Does this word really have a negative connotation?

RegDwigнt
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Miguel
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    I am confused by your premise. WC doesn't have negative connotations. – Matt E. Эллен Jul 16 '12 at 11:20
  • Have a look at this question with regards to euphemisms for toilet. – Matt E. Эллен Jul 16 '12 at 11:21
  • @Matt That question [http://english.stackexchange.com/questions/37177/toilet-lavatory-or-loo-for-polite-society/37179#37179] does not seem to cover 'facility'. – Kris Jul 16 '12 at 11:39
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    @Kris - that wasn't my point. My point is that just because it's a euphemism for toilet doesn't mean it has negative connotations. – Matt E. Эллен Jul 16 '12 at 11:58
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    I've only ever heard the euphemism styled as a plural: 'Pardon me, I have to go use the facilities.' The singular doesn't have these connections. – Mitch Jul 16 '12 at 12:54
  • I've heard "I need to use the facility." Although, I've never heard it used anywhere unless it was a WC or some sort of factory. It's as derogatory as calling a toilet a john. – Mazura Aug 14 '14 at 02:51
  • I agree that the use of facility or, more frequently, facilities as a euphemism for a toilet or toilet block does not connote negativity. It is often used in other contexts (e.g., "the dining facilities" or "a sporting facility"). Perhaps you believe your audience will respond negatively to the use of facility. It would be helpful if you supplied the context in which you wish to use it and a sample sentence. – NMI Sep 13 '17 at 13:34

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Public convenience or facility could be euphemisms for toilets/ washrooms, not with negative connotations.

Kris
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  • For evidence read the first paragraph of the wikipedia article for Hotel -- "with modern facilities, including en-suite bathrooms, and air conditioning or climate control." -- Not a negative connotation, but a somewhat more formal way to refer to a place's accommodations. – Xantix Aug 10 '12 at 04:49