Comfort station?

[Conchita]

This phrase I've just come across is American English for 'public toilet' (among other definitions), apparently. For some reason, the phrase struck me as amusing -- in the same way that 'public loo' would sound funny to an American ear, I suppose.

Is it a common expression on the other side of the pond, I wonder? To me, it evokes images of a platform where people can cry on other people's shoulders and get a hug or a pat on the back, or maybe even some chocolate, after waving someone off.

[Mister Micawber]

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It's a phrase I see as a sign on occasional restrooms, but not a phrase I use. One's bellhop might employ it.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Yankee]

Hi Conchita

I wouldn't recommend using "comfort station" generally to mean "public restroom"/"public toilet". It's not a term I hear anyone use generally for that in my neck of the woods anyway.

Apparently "comfort station" used to be used as a term for "outhouse", though. :lol:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourist_trap (Scroll down to the part about mule rides.)

And this sort of "comfort station" offers more than just the "comfort" of a toilet:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comfort_Station_No._68
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"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Barb_D]

I think I've seen it used in places like parks, along hiking trails, etc., and I associate it much more closely with a rustic place to find some comfort from emptying your full bladder than any sort of "public toilet" in a public building.

[MrPedantic]

I have heard it once or twice from BrE-speakers; but always with audible inverted commas.

"Comfort break" (e.g. during a long meeting) I hear a little more often; though again, not seriously.

MrP

[Conchita]

Thanks for all the interesting feedback.

[Yankee]