Communication is about clarity. The more muddled the message—the more confusion you’re bound to see on the reader’s face. When it comes to the signs you see in public, you normally expect all of them to be brief, precise, and informative. Alas! Nothing could be farther from the truth. Far from everyone’s a pro when it comes to writing and advertising skills, and the ‘Useless, Unsuccessful, and/or Unpopular Signage’ Facebook group is proof enough.
An online group bringing together nearly 191k members, the UUU Signage project has been around since November 2014. Since then, it has collected a vast archive of some of the very worst and funniest signs to be found on Planet Earth. We’re featuring a selection of the very best ones, so go on, have a scroll and a glance. Don’t forget to upvote the signs that made you laugh and made you more confused than you expected, and if you’re a fan, go ahead and join the UUU Signage group.
I had a friendly chat about the most important things when making a sign—any sign—with Lisa McLendon. She is the William Allen White Professor of Journalism and Mass Communications and the coordinator of the Bremner Editing Center at the University of Kansas. You'll find the insights she shared with Bored Panda below, dear Readers.
Remember… keep it simple—keep it short—keep it clear.
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I Didn't See A Cat Going Out But I Did Observe A Walrus Sashay Towards The Door
This Is The Kind Of Secret Doctors Don't Want You To Know
Hahaaa, that was good. I have my hair dyed in shades of purple and turquoise, which is pretty eye-catching. I once went to a hospital to get some papers, and had to wait in line for access. Several people were staring at my cheerful hair. I was tempted to tell them "It's the covid vaccine, this is what happens if you get vaccinated." :))) I refrained, though. Some people are prone to believe anything... except science. (I'm fully vaccinated.)
I Honked
On The Community Noticeboard At My Local Shops
An Employee Caught Me Taking This Pic And Said “Ah Yes, Another One Of Our Many Exciting Deals!”
Make Good Choices
Lmao You Go Girl
Yeahhhhh Right
Someone Had Enough
I’ve Been Called Many Things In Life. But This Is A First
I've Never Seen A Bumper Sticker I Wanted More
Well That Escalated Quickly
When You've Had Enough Of Your Man
Hey, the sign is very informative and direct. I would like to sell a neighbor who plays loud music all day long and smokes weed. He is a bit banged up and rusty, but not too shabby.
I Have A Bad Feeling About This Rest Stop Bathroom
The Mechanic Left This In My Girlfriend's Car After Being Serviced... The Car Is Still Dirty
My garage doesn't even service dirty cars like this. You'll get a note saying that Dutch labor laws do not allow people to work in a contaminated area without protective gear and proper training. Because none of their mechanics qualify, they couldn't service the car.
Found Some Paperless Towels At Walmart Today. What Will They Think Of Next?
Please Don’t Follow Anybody Home
This Was A Couple Years Ago...and I Know What They Meant But... Still
Just Press Three 333 Times
I Don’t Even Know
lmao I don't even get the joke or who that man is but it's so stupid it cracked me up hahaha
Oh No
Pfantastic Signage
Um... I Guess?
Whatever Gets Them In Therapy I Guess?
Is This The New Saying Now?? Mandela Effect?
Do Not Teach Fish Man He Will Destroy Us All
"We Gave It A Second Thought And Decided That You Guys Suck"
Spotted At A Local Dollar Tree A Few Years Ago
This Was In Front Of My Town Hall For A Couple Weeks Before Anyone Realized And It’s My Favorite Thing To Ever Happen Here
No Thanks
Pennsylvania Department Of Transportation Trying To Be Relatable
Typical Capitalism. Manufactured Scarcity
Are You Speaking From Experience, Sir?
We Don’t Pay A Living Wage, But Work Is Work Right. This Is A Circle K By The Way
Baa Baa Black.. Clam?
This Has Big "I Think Dogs Should Vote" Vibes
No Touching Vaggies
When You Want To Insult The Customer But Have To Be Politically Correct
Okay
Fish And Chizz??
Seen outside a mattress store in my city until recently: "Mask required, pants optional".
British English pants or American English pants?
Load More Replies...A funny sign I saw in a store in Colorado once: IMG_202107...46af3e.jpg
Then there was this warning sign for reasons unknown. dont-61213...521148.jpg
Seen outside a mattress store in my city until recently: "Mask required, pants optional".
British English pants or American English pants?
Load More Replies...A funny sign I saw in a store in Colorado once: IMG_202107...46af3e.jpg
Then there was this warning sign for reasons unknown. dont-61213...521148.jpg
