ToquiNotes: Settling a Debate Locally in Place Across the Nation and Across the Globe Shortly After 1891
By Jeff Toquinto on January 04, 2025 from ToquiNotes
Sometimes this blog tackle serious subjects involving the health of individuals, a group needing help, or something of a significant nature. Often times, the blog is used to remember things from the past or pay tribute to those who have passed away that have contributed mightily to our quality of life.
For those looking forward to that today, you will be disappointed. For those looking for an opinion on a debate going back well into the 20th century, you have found the correct landing spot.
While going through some old photos of our October trip to Italy this past year, I spied in the background part of one the bathrooms in a hotel 
where we stayed. For whatever reason, I could see the roll of toilet paper and zoomed in.
where we stayed. For whatever reason, I could see the roll of toilet paper and zoomed in.
The reason? I wanted to see what direction the roll was put in place. I was curious to see if those in Italy, and perhaps the entire European Union agreed with my thoughts on proper toilet paper placement.
The only bad part is that I could not see how the roll was placed. If only I would have thought about it at the time.
To me, it is a no brainer. Several years ago, while partaking in a few drinks at a local watering hole, there was a debate on whether it should be “over” or “under” when placed upon the appropriate hanging apparatus.
While it is not something I have debated since, the debate was thick that day. While most in our party agreed with me, there were skeptics. Many, using the technology laced via Google, pointed to studies proving their point. The only problem for their school of thought is that there were just as many, and it actually seemed multiple times as many, articles supporting my point of view and those of the majority of the group.
Let me be clear. It is as obvious as Poppie arguing with Kramer about whether cucumbers should be allowed on a pizza.
Cucumbers should not be allowed on pizza. And toilet paper should always be hung in the “over” position.
For those thinking this is not debate worthy, our friends on the internet point out that it actually dates back further than I thought. It goes back to 1891 when the patent for toilet paper was presented and it was in the “over” position. Although hard to prove conclusively, at least two articles said early debates were related to the patent photo shortly after toilet paper became a standard household item - meaning it's been around for more than a century.
The key reason is hygiene. Toilet paper should not be touching the wall, and you should not have your hands touching the wall, which can happen when grabbing in the “under” position, due to the possibility of germ transfer.
It is also easier to tear. I am not alone. The good folks at Cottonelle did a survey of 1,000 hard core Americans (no way to prove they are hard core, but if they took place in a toilet paper poll, they have my approval) showing 74 percent preferred the “over” method. I am actually stunned that 26 percent preferred it in the "under" method.
As for those who prefer it being hung in the “under” manner? The best I could find was it made it harder for pets, and even young children, to unwind. There were positive remarks for aesthetic appeal, easier to load (which I am not sure how), and a few others that seemed insignificant.
With all that in mind, and with Cottonelle’s numbers backing me, I believe there is little to debate. The “over” method is the winner.
And now, it is your turn to agree or disagree with me. In the holiday period where the stress level often runs a little too high, not only are serious responses welcome, but totally off base responses are in the mix as well.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows the actual patent for toilet paper, while yours truly is shown bringing a case of toilet paper to stock our home's first floor half bath.
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