Ever walked into a public bathroom and stared at the little symbols above the doors? You see a stick figure with a circle on top - and below it, the number 1. You might think it’s a weird numbering system. Or maybe you’ve heard someone say, ‘I need number 1,’ and wondered if they meant something else. Here’s the truth: number 1 in the bathroom doesn’t refer to a product, a brand, or a fancy gadget. It’s a simple, universal code - and it’s been hiding in plain sight for decades.
What Does ‘Number 1’ Actually Mean?
When someone says they need ‘number 1,’ they’re talking about urination. It’s not slang you picked up from a movie - it’s a widely used shorthand, especially in homes, schools, and public restrooms. The term comes from the old-school labeling system used to distinguish between the two basic human functions: urination (number 1) and defecation (number 2). It’s practical, clear, and avoids awkwardness.
You’ll see this in daycare centers, where teachers write ‘#1’ and ‘#2’ on charts to track kids’ bathroom habits. You’ll hear it in households where parents say, ‘Did you do number 1 before bed?’ It’s not crude - it’s efficient. And in places like New Zealand, where direct language is often softened, you’ll hear ‘number 1’ more than you’ll hear ‘pee’ in mixed company.
Why Do We Use Numbers Instead of Words?
Think about it - saying ‘I need to pee’ in front of a group of kids, or in a professional setting, can feel awkward. ‘Number 1’ is neutral. It’s clinical enough to be polite, simple enough for kids to understand, and doesn’t carry the same emotional weight as other terms.
This system also shows up in signage. In many public restrooms around the world - especially in Europe, Australia, and parts of North America - you’ll find symbols with numbers. A small icon of a person standing with a line beneath them? That’s number 1. A person sitting with a circle? That’s number 2. The numbers are there to help people who don’t speak the local language. A tourist from Japan or Brazil doesn’t need to know the word ‘toilet’ - they just need to recognize the symbol and the number.
Where Did This System Come From?
The practice of labeling bathroom functions with numbers dates back to the 1950s and 60s, when public health officials and educators started pushing for clearer hygiene communication. Schools began using numbered charts to encourage kids to use the bathroom regularly and to track patterns. Hospitals followed suit, using the terms to document patient output without using graphic language.
By the 1980s, it had spread to public facilities. The World Health Organization even recommended using simple, universal symbols in international airports and train stations. The numbers stuck because they worked. No translation needed. No embarrassment. Just a quick glance and you know what’s expected.
What About the Symbols? Are They Standard?
There’s no single global standard, but there are common patterns. In most places:
- Number 1 = a stick figure standing, often with a vertical line beneath - representing urination.
- Number 2 = a stick figure sitting, often with a horizontal line or oval beneath - representing defecation.
Some countries use icons without numbers. In Japan, you’ll see a blue man for men’s rooms and a pink woman for women’s - no numbers. In Germany, you might see ‘Herren’ and ‘Damen.’ But in places like New Zealand, Australia, and the UK, you’ll often find both the symbol and the number. That’s because the numbers help people who are illiterate, young, or non-native speakers.
There’s even a version used in airports and hospitals where the numbers are paired with color: blue for number 1, brown for number 2. It’s not universal, but it’s common enough that you’ll recognize it if you’ve traveled.
Is It Still Used Today?
Yes - and it’s growing. With more multicultural communities and more people traveling internationally, the need for clear, language-independent communication has increased. You’ll find ‘#1’ and ‘#2’ on apps like Google Maps when you search for ‘accessible bathroom’ - the system is now built into digital signage too.
Even in modern homes, parents still use it. A 2023 survey of New Zealand families found that 78% of households with children under six used ‘number 1’ and ‘number 2’ as the primary terms for bathroom functions. Why? Because kids learn faster with simple labels. And adults appreciate the clarity.
It’s also making its way into product design. Some toilet paper dispensers now have small labels: ‘For #1’ and ‘For #2,’ indicating which roll is softer or more absorbent. Bidet manufacturers use the same terms in their manuals. Even in New Zealand, where we tend to avoid overly clinical language, ‘number 1’ is the go-to phrase in parenting blogs, pediatric clinics, and school handbooks.
What About ‘Number 3’?
You might have heard jokes about ‘number 3’ - like, ‘I need to do number 3.’ That’s not real. There’s no official number 3. It’s a joke people make when they’re trying to be funny. Sometimes it’s used to imply a longer, more urgent need - but it’s not part of the actual system. Don’t be surprised if you see someone roll their eyes when you say ‘number 3.’ It’s not wrong, but it’s not right either.
Why This Matters for Bathroom Accessories
If you’re thinking about bathroom design - whether you’re renovating a home or installing fixtures in a public space - understanding these codes helps you make smarter choices. For example:
- Signage with clear numbers and symbols reduces confusion and improves accessibility.
- Toilet paper dispensers labeled for ‘#1’ or ‘#2’ can help people choose the right product.
- Hand soap dispensers with pictograms matching the number system make hygiene easier for non-native speakers.
It’s not just about aesthetics. It’s about function. A well-designed bathroom doesn’t just look good - it communicates clearly. And that’s where ‘number 1’ becomes more than a phrase. It becomes part of the architecture.
Final Thought: It’s Not Weird - It’s Smart
Calling urination ‘number 1’ might sound odd at first. But when you think about it, it’s one of the most practical pieces of everyday language we use. It’s short. It’s clear. It’s kind. And it works across cultures, ages, and languages.
Next time you see that little number above a bathroom door, you’ll know what it means. And if someone says they need ‘number 1,’ you won’t have to guess. You’ll just nod - and maybe even smile. Because sometimes, the simplest things are the most useful.
