Dear Poland, Why the Circle and Triangle Toilet Signs?

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Scott:   When I’m a guest in a foreign country, I get it, I should learn at least a few basic words.

But some public restrooms in Poland will challenge you to learn symbols too.

circle and triangle toilet signs
Which Restroom Is Which?

So if you’re holding your bladder and frantically searching the internet trying to translate geometry to English, here’s your answer to the mysterious circle and triangle toilet signs.

Triangle is the Men’s Room.

Circle is the Women’s Room.

But WHY?

I decided to do exhaustive research on the topic (I asked 3 Polish people).  None had an answer.

So I asked my good friend Google and the answers ranged from something about astrological signs to private parts.

MOST public restrooms in Poland I’ve encountered do NOT use the triangle and circle.

It reminds me of a dive bar in New York City I used to frequent that labeled the Men’s Room with a “G” and the Women’s Room with a “G”.

But at least there I got a conclusive answer from the bartender.  The G stands for Guys and the other G stands for Gals.

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