Sat, 29/05/2010 - 11:05am — Jan

What a marvellous word is gardyloo. Apparently it comes from Scotland in the days when toilet waste and other slops were thrown from the upstairs windows into the streets. It was supposed to warn passersby to get out of the way. Is this where the word 'loo' comes from? This and many interesting facts are discussed in the brilliant presentation designed for a school program at SA Water in Victoria Square. Hayley Morton knows more about the sewerage system in South Australia and even some other countries, than anyone I know. As well as the visual presentation there were several workshop areas where children could determine which toilet paper was most water soluble, the system of filtering waste water for re-use and more. Children were invited to design posters with new ideas for toilet design. Some extremely good ideas and well thought out presentations are displayed on a pillar in the Learning Centre.

A public Open Day today (Saturday) should generate a lot of interest as I understand many adults were trying to get into the school program as well.

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Comments

 

Gardyloo

I've always understood that loo comes from the French 'Gardez l'eau' which people shouted as they were chucking out the slops from the window above. It means literally 'watch out the water'. I guess gardyloo is a derivation of the original French. There was a lot of connections with the Scots and French in the 16th century. I really wanted to go to this talk Jan - just too many other good things happening in History Week! Pauline

Posted on 31/5/2010 at 9:18am |
 

Re: Gardyloo

Hi Pauline You're right, Gardyloo is derived from the French Regardez l'eau. It was adapted across Britain as Gardyloo. I wonder whether name for the hanging long drops off the sides of castles also derives from this phrase. They were called Garderobes. Unfortunately I haven't been able to confirm the origin of the word thus far. cheers, Hayley

Posted on 10/6/2010 at 10:19am |