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We’ve probably all witnessed the havoc a misplaced comma can wreak on an innocent sentence. “Let’s eat, Grandma” and “Let’s eat Grandma” are one small mark apart, but only one of them sounds like a line from Hannibal Lecter.

But there’s another punctuation mishap we see all the time, on signs, menus, storefronts, packaging, you name it: the misuse of quotation marks. Somewhere along the way, people decided these little curls were a handy way to add emphasis. The problem? They do draw attention to the words inside them, but not in the way anyone intended. A bar advertising “happy” hour suddenly sounds a lot more depressing, while a deli promising “fresh” sandwiches has us thinking twice about ordering. There are plenty more where those came from, so keep scrolling.

#1

Bulletin

A sign on a board where people misused quotation marks by putting do not in quotes.

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Mark Alexander
Community Member
12 hours ago

One of these deserves a "medal".

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    #2

    "Officer"

    Vintage book cover titled Timmy, illustrating a funny instance where people misused quotation marks.

    sowokeIdontblink Report

    Jeremy
    Community Member
    9 hours ago (edited)

    Say, Timmy... Do you like movies about gladiators? Have you ever been in a Turkish prison?

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    #3

    Beware Of Dog

    A metal fence with a warning sign that misuses quotation marks around the word dog.

    Lmanwell23 Report

    Lyone Fein
    Community Member
    12 hours ago

    These might be used correctly in this case.

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    #4

    I "Guarantee" You're Gonna "Love" These Unnecessary Quotation Marks

    A sign misusing quotation marks outside a church reading Church Parking Only Violators Will Be Baptized.

    Paul Acocella Report

    Caffeinated Ape
    Community Member
    11 hours ago

    This one might possibly be intentional...

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    #5

    The Quotation Marks On This Sign Gives It A Malevolent Undertone

    A vacation banner reading enjoy your safe holidays, demonstrating how people misused quotation marks.

    sleightlymagical Report

    Mike F
    Community Member
    12 hours ago

    I "don't" see a shark fin.

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    #6

    A park bench memorial plaque misusing quotation marks around the word nice.

    The viral pop Report

    The Goo King
    Community Member
    4 hours ago

    Someone really hated Jen and Ted.

    #7

    I "Guarantee" You're Gonna "Love" These Unnecessary Quotation Marks

    In-store sign reading PLEASE PAY FOR THESE PRODUCTS, an example where people misused quotation marks.

    Paul Acocella Report

    Lyone Fein
    Community Member
    12 hours ago

    Does this mean there are ways to pay at this store without using money?

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    #8

    Now Im Uncomfortable

    A mail envelope reading ENJOY LIVING IN YOUR HOME, highlighting people misused quotation marks.

    coheetcornchumbly Report

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    Premium
    7 hours ago

    Ironic that "Prepare for the unexpected" is one of the bylines XD

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    #9

    Ah, Yes. “Ice” For My “Iced” Drink. Definitely Not Anything Else…

    Dunkin Donuts counter sign displaying misused quotation marks around iced and ice.

    ThyKnightOfSporks Report

    Mike F
    Community Member
    12 hours ago

    Yeah, "Karen".

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    #10

    The Authorities Have Got Wise To Our "Dance Parties"

    Printed paper sign on a glass door that misused quotation marks around the words dance party.

    HauntedFurniture Report

    #11

    Sir This Is The "Police"

    Police car decal showing people misused quotation marks around Professional Law Enforcement.

    mikeissad Report

    azubi
    Community Member
    11 hours ago

    Honest

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    #12

    Yes, Yes. "Your Business."

    An instruction sign showing misused quotation marks around the words YOUR BUSINESS.

    sutart_70584 Report

    Slop Generator
    Community Member
    4 hours ago

    Maybe "your business" is the password to enter.

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    #13

    Man, I Could Really Go For A Starbucks, You Know?

    Starbucks sidewalk chalkboard sign featuring misused quotation marks around the phrase second service.

    mbz321 Report

    Lyone Fein
    Community Member
    12 hours ago

    I hope they're compensated appropriately.

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    #14

    Yes, Officer, I'm "21"

    White sign with misused quotation marks around the number 21 reading You Must Be 21 To Enter.

    turbobex Report

    Roman Arendt
    Community Member
    5 hours ago

    Is this the entrance to Epstein Island?

    #15

    That Is Unsettling

    Service truck with We Do It All Honestly written on it, showing people misused quotation marks.

    TikiTakaTimbuktu Report

    Lyone Fein
    Community Member
    12 hours ago

    Wink wink

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    Never miss a story that brings joy to the world. Add us on Google

    #16

    I Have So Many Questions For Whoever Made This Sign At My Work

    Notice on a door that misused quotation marks around milk, dish washing liquid, and fortnight.

    skididdle Report

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    #17

    No Thanks...

    Grocery store bell sign where people misused quotation marks around MEAT SERVICE.

    TVF-Labs Report

    Mike F
    Community Member
    12 hours ago

    Oh boy...

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    #18

    This Sign Has Been In My Family Since I Was A Kid And Was Passed On To Me By My Dad When My Wife And I Married

    A wooden home sign above a stove misused quotation marks around the words Happy Home.

    Anonymous Report

    Zatetic
    Community Member
    5 hours ago

    Repeat it til you believe it

    #19

    There Were Little “Notes” Like This All Over The “Airbnb” My “Friend” Stayed At Lmao

    A handwritten note under a thermostat with misused quotation marks around words like up and off.

    MOMTHEMEATLOAFF Report

    Fred
    Community Member
    8 hours ago

    "about 13° "

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    #20

    “The Wearer Of This Helmet Still “Lives” -Wear Yours-“ 1952 Korean War

    A sign under a combat helmet misuses quotation marks around the word lives.

    Anonymous Report

    Bill Swallow
    Community Member
    1 hour ago

    A vegetative state is still Alive...

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    #21

    Sure You Do

    A chalkboard sign misusing quotation marks around the word love in I love my job.

    The viral pop Report

    Lyone Fein
    Community Member
    12 hours ago

    Don't we all?

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    #22

    A roadside sign in a field offering free face painting, featuring misused quotation marks around the service name.

    The viral pop Report

    billy murray
    Community Member
    2 hours ago

    LOL!

    #23

    This Sounds Like A Secretive Way To Tell Me To Poison Someone

    Bakery display sign with misused quotation marks around the words family and fresh.

    coletheburrito Report

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    Premium
    6 hours ago

    This is apparently at a grocery store called Tom's Mad Pricer in Illinois. I am somehow not surprised that a man with a revolver is the mascot for a grocery store in Illinois.

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    #24

    "Patients"

    A medical notice posted on a door misusing quotation marks around the word patients.

    ally00ps Report

    Mike F
    Community Member
    12 hours ago

    There's a "story" behind this an we need to know it.

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    #25

    Uhm

    Opthalmology sign that misused quotation marks around the phrase eye doctor.

    houtaroo Report

    Jeolas1
    Community Member
    7 hours ago (edited)

    And then hopefully we will "see" again soon.

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    #26

    An outdoor banner displaying misused quotation marks around the word fresh.

    Keith Buzz Jennings Report

    SlapstickChicken
    Community Member
    12 hours ago

    3th

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    #27

    Some Folks Who Really Don't Want You To Touch Anything But They Are Not That Committed To Being Polite About I

    Museum sign misusing quotation marks around the words BUT PLEASE for do not touch warning.

    unnecessaryquotes Report

    Fred
    Community Member
    7 hours ago

    polite about what?

    #28

    Probably Offering Food, But Whether It Qualifies As Cuisine Is Up For Debate

    Restaurant outdoor sign misusing quotation marks around the word Cuisine.

    unnecessaryquotes Report

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    #29

    Suspicious Quotation Marks

    A green outdoor banner with misused quotation marks around the word real in real plastic surgeon.

    xormx Report

    Bill Swallow
    Community Member
    1 hour ago

    So ... Is he Real? Or is he Plastic?

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    #30

    A restaurant sign displaying Cheeseburgers with misused quotation marks around the word cheese.

    chickenmim Report

    roepi
    Community Member
    2 hours ago

    Just don't ask for details about the cheese.

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    #31

    Ummm. So Breakfast?

    Sign with misused quotation marks reading Now Serving Dinner

    Scare Quotes Report

    Community Member
    1 hour ago

    or lunch in the UK

    #32

    "Banned"

    Notice about pool rules where people misused quotation marks around the word BANNED.

    sutart_70584 Report

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    #33

    I "Need" This "Poster" To Use "Quotation" Marks "Correctly"

    A campaign flyer showing misused quotation marks around words like HELP and RE ELECTED.

    schmelzoro Report

    Bill Swallow
    Community Member
    1 hour ago

    I think folks "need" to keep this candidate out of office.

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    #34

    As Opposed To The Meat Filled “Avocados”?

    A basket of fruit with a price tag that misuses quotation marks around avocados.

    huffer4 Report

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    Premium
    6 hours ago

    Well, if you know the origin of the word "avocado", then yes, there ARE meat-filled "avocados" out there XD

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    #35

    You Know

    Printed sign for free pictures with Santa with misused quotation marks on key words.

    unnecessaryquotes Report

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    Premium
    6 hours ago

    I'm more irritated by the use of superscript on one date but not on the other!

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    #36

    Norwich University: Their "Limits" Can Be Stretched

    Social media ad showcasing university students with misused quotation marks around limits.

    theredhound19 Report

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    Premium
    6 hours ago

    So many bad things went through the gutter that is my mind upon reading this one XD

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    #37

    Have A "Safe" 4th Of July Everyone!

    Fireworks sign misusing quotation marks around the phrase YOU CAN TRUST outdoors.

    Anonymous Report

    roepi
    Community Member
    2 hours ago

    Guaranteed to blow up... But don't complain about where or when it may do so...

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    #38

    Found This At The Secondary School I Had To Drop Out Of Due To Bullying

    A school sign with misused quotation marks around the word good in this is a good school.

    dr4gon1154 Report

    The Goo King
    Community Member
    4 hours ago

    This is correct. They are quoting their Ofstead rating, and as it's a quote of the final score, it belongs in quotation marks.

    #39

    A woman holding a sign with misused quotation marks on the word proud during a parade.

    friendlyneighbourhoodwitch Report

    Ace
    Community Member
    Premium
    4 hours ago

    On a Gay Pride march, this one would not be out of place.

    #40

    How?

    An in-store supermarket banner showing misused quotation marks around the word accidental in a food ad.

    The viral pop Report

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    Premium
    6 hours ago

    I would love to name a boat or a restaurant or something "Frank's Accidental Salmon" XD But apparently it's a reference to some Tesco marketing campaign where your friend and mine, Frank, accidentally broke a whole salmon fillet, but rescued it by turning it into some sort of salmon Wellington abomination, as seen in the photo.

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    #41

    This Is True Of Most Of The Truck Drivers... At Least Where I'm From

    Truck door displaying text with misused quotation marks around the word safe.

    Scare Quotes Report

    Bill Swallow
    Community Member
    1 hour ago

    Currently picturing a safe on wheels cruising down the road.

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    #42

    My Guess Is The Adult Section

    Red wall sign asking Where are the fun books with misused quotation marks.

    Scare Quotes Report

    #43

    At Least We Know It'll Be Professionally Done

    A sidewalk sign with misused quotation marks around the word massage.

    Scare Quotes Report

    timhood
    Community Member
    8 hours ago

    Yes, officer, we give a "massage" here.😉

    #44

    Ummm... Nope... I'll Hold It For The Real Restrooms

    Directional sign showing misused quotation marks around the word Restrooms

    Scare Quotes Report

    Fred
    Community Member
    7 hours ago

    That's what we call them, but there are no beds or even sofas in there.

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    #45

    Don’t Use Your “Feet” Please

    Paper sign on tiled wall showing misused quotation marks around the word feet in a bathroom instruction.

    Ditto132 Report

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    Premium
    6 hours ago

    Okay, I'll use my shoes. They happen to be ON my feet, but I'm not USING my feet!

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    #46

    I "Guarantee" You're Gonna "Love" These Unnecessary Quotation Marks

    A plastic jug with a tape label misusing quotation marks around the word honey.

    Paul Acocella Report

    roepi
    Community Member
    2 hours ago

    Suuuuuuuuuure....

    #47

    I’m Not A Fan Of Rabbit “Teeth”

    Warning sign at a rabbit cage showing people misused quotation marks around TEETH.

    bobert_the_wise Report

    Bill Swallow
    Community Member
    1 hour ago

    Then there was the time Mike was already reaching into the Russian Hamster's cage while asking 'Does it bite?' A second later, he had a set of hamster teeth embedded in his finger. Naturally, he recoiled, and the hamster came along for the ride, losing its grip and sailing in a graceful arc to make a soft landing on the very plush carpet. Answering Mike's question, 'Does it bite?', Kevin replied '... Does it have a mouth?'

    #48

    Til That A Strawberry Is Not An Actual Berry But A Banana Is

    A bottle cap with misused quotation marks around the phrase Real Fact.

    notlurkinganymoar Report

    Corvus
    Community Member
    6 hours ago

    Back in the day they taught us that a strawberry is a "false fruit."

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    #49

    A social media post demonstrating misused quotation marks around the word flute in a request for a music teacher.

    The viral pop Report

    timhood
    Community Member
    8 hours ago

    For this one time at band camp?😆

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    #50

    A vehicle decal misusing quotation marks around the phrase Making a Difference.

    The viral pop Report

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    Premium
    6 hours ago

    ...is that written in Comic Sans?!

    #51

    A menu board in a restaurant misusing quotation marks around the word CANDY.

    The viral pop Report

    Fred
    Community Member
    7 hours ago

    what did they do to the chicken?

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    #53

    A white van driving on the road with misused quotation marks around Church Van on the back.

    The viral pop Report

    Zatetic
    Community Member
    5 hours ago

    Looking for children to "save"

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    #54

    A round ceramic plate with inspirational text featuring misused quotation marks around the word friends.

    chickenmim Report

    azubi
    Community Member
    11 hours ago

    Want

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    #55

    Every Man Knows What This Really Means

    A sign on a wall reading Please Flush The Toilets, showcasing misused quotation marks around the word flush.

    Scare Quotes Report

    #56

    Not The TV Show

    An entrance sign showing misused quotation marks around the letters E.R.

    Scare Quotes Report

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    #57

    Mmm. "Coffee"

    A sign with misused quotation marks reading Please DO NOT use bottled water to make COFFEE.

    Scare Quotes Report

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    #58

    Ummmmm

    Green warning notice showing misused quotation marks around the word Balls

    Scare Quotes Report

    Fred
    Community Member
    7 hours ago

    If you must, make sure no one is watching.

    #59

    Hmmm

    Zen shop sign showing misused quotation marks around the phrase Trading Ethically

    JT_3K Report

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    Premium
    6 hours ago

    Nope, doesn't belong on this list. That's a slogan or motto, not suspicious quotations around one word that changes the meaning of the entire phrase.

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    #60

    I "Guarantee" You're Gonna "Love" These Unnecessary Quotation Marks

    A museum display sign misusing quotation marks around the words rock and cave above a textured surface.

    Paul Acocella Report

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    #61

    I "Guarantee" You're Gonna "Love" These Unnecessary Quotation Marks

    An outdoor event banner showing misused quotation marks around live in Texas BBQ and Live Band.

    Paul Acocella Report

    Zatetic
    Community Member
    5 hours ago

    Zombies

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    #62

    I Want To Touch It

    A farm fence warning sign misused quotation marks around ELECTRIC FENCE with horses nearby.

    a_leprechaun Report

    #63

    "Fast Frank" Electric Hot Dog Cooker

    Vintage product box showing misused quotation marks around the name Fast Frank

    Webbtrain Report

    Jeolas1
    Community Member
    7 hours ago

    I don't have much of a problem with these ones. While they are not necessary, they do not twist the meaning as in most of the other examples. (It would be a different thing if it said: "fast" Frank.)

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