Bidets, a staple in many parts of Europe and South America, are causing confusion among international visitors to the 2026 Winter Olympics in northern Italy. The fixtures, with their oval basins and warm water spray, have left some athletes and journalists scratching their heads.
For Europeans who are accustomed to using bidets, they're not a novelty anymore. However, for those from other parts of the world, including the US, they can be perplexing. A recent TikTok post by Alicia Lewis, a US broadcaster, highlighted the issue when she asked whether her Italian room's bidet was actually a bidet or just an oval-shaped sink.
Interestingly, the bidet has its roots in France, dating back to the early 18th century. Its name comes from the French term for ponies, which refers to the straddling position people adopt while using it. The first evidence of bidets in Italy appears around 1720, and they gained popularity during Queen Maria Carolina's reign in the Palace of Caserta.
Bidets were initially met with skepticism in other parts of Europe but eventually became more widespread after advancements in indoor plumbing made them a staple in bathrooms across the globe. However, their adoption has been gradual, especially outside of Italy.
Today, bidets are still popular in countries like Greece, Turkey, Finland, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and northern Africa. In Japan, they've merged with toilets to create the "washlet," which features automatic jets for improved hygiene.
The recent resurgence in interest about bidets is largely due to environmental awareness, particularly in cities like New York, where the mayor has expressed interest in installing bidets at Gracie Mansion.
While bidets might not become a standard fixture in every US home anytime soon, they're gaining traction, with some cities recognizing their benefits, such as reducing toilet paper usage. As people become more eco-conscious, it's likely that bidets will continue to gain popularity worldwide.
For Europeans who are accustomed to using bidets, they're not a novelty anymore. However, for those from other parts of the world, including the US, they can be perplexing. A recent TikTok post by Alicia Lewis, a US broadcaster, highlighted the issue when she asked whether her Italian room's bidet was actually a bidet or just an oval-shaped sink.
Interestingly, the bidet has its roots in France, dating back to the early 18th century. Its name comes from the French term for ponies, which refers to the straddling position people adopt while using it. The first evidence of bidets in Italy appears around 1720, and they gained popularity during Queen Maria Carolina's reign in the Palace of Caserta.
Bidets were initially met with skepticism in other parts of Europe but eventually became more widespread after advancements in indoor plumbing made them a staple in bathrooms across the globe. However, their adoption has been gradual, especially outside of Italy.
Today, bidets are still popular in countries like Greece, Turkey, Finland, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and northern Africa. In Japan, they've merged with toilets to create the "washlet," which features automatic jets for improved hygiene.
The recent resurgence in interest about bidets is largely due to environmental awareness, particularly in cities like New York, where the mayor has expressed interest in installing bidets at Gracie Mansion.
While bidets might not become a standard fixture in every US home anytime soon, they're gaining traction, with some cities recognizing their benefits, such as reducing toilet paper usage. As people become more eco-conscious, it's likely that bidets will continue to gain popularity worldwide.
I feel like this is so weird for me, I mean, why would anyone be confused about a bidet? In the UK we've had them forever! 
But seriously, I think it's cool how bidets have such an interesting history and they're not just for Europe anymore. It's awesome that people are getting more eco-friendly and realizing the benefits of using bidets instead of toilet paper. Maybe it's time for the US to catch up? 
I also love the fact that Japan has taken it to a whole new level with the "washlet" thing, sounds like high-tech magic! 
especially with the Olympics coming up! I mean, who knew they were so fascinating? 
For me, it's like, what's not to love about using warm water to clean yourself after a shower? It's all about being gentle on your bum 
. And I totally get why some people are confused - it's definitely a cultural thing. But honestly, I think bidets are the way forward 
. They're so eco-friendly and hygienic! I've got one in my bathroom at home and it's changed the game for me 
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It's also intriguing to see how bidets have evolved over time, with their popularity waxing and waning in different parts of Europe. And now, as environmental awareness grows, it's likely that we'll see a global shift towards more eco-friendly bathroom solutions. The fact that cities like New York are already recognizing the benefits of bidets is a great sign for their future 
Anyway, it's cool that people r starting to realize how awesome bidets are - reduced toilet paper usage = better planet, amirite? 
OMG, who knew bidets were so extra?! lol I mean seriously tho, its kinda funny how some ppl from other countries think its just a weird shaped sink 
The name even comes from ponies lol 
. Anyway, I'm loving the eco-friendly vibe around bidets tho, especially with all the cities going green 
. Maybe its time for the US to catch up and ditch those paper rolls? 
