ADVERTISEMENT

Most often, quotation marks are used to show someone’s exact words. Sometimes, they also signal sarcasm or irony. In most cases, there is nothing especially unusual about this little punctuation mark.

But place quotation marks where they do not belong, and they can completely change the meaning of a sentence, often in a way that sounds weird, funny, or even slightly suspicious. Telling someone to enjoy their safe holidays is perfectly fine. Wishing them “safe” holidays, on the other hand, raises a few questions.

Below, we’ve rounded up some hilarious examples of signs that used quotation marks in ways they absolutely should not have. Scroll down to check them out.

This post may include affiliate links.

#1

"Security Guard"

Sign with suspicious quotation marks around security guard outside a small guard booth with a sleeping man inside.

Sermest2 Report

14points
POST
poppycorn avatar
Nikole
Nikole
Community Member
1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is dude the U.S. president? He appears to be asleep.

0
0points
reply
RELATED:
    #2

    “Officer”

    Tweet about obsession with unnecessary quotation marks featuring a vintage comic cover with suspicious punctuation use.

    rickiilynn77 Report

    14points
    POST
    poppycorn avatar
    Nikole
    Nikole
    Community Member
    1 hour ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This has to be a joke. Penn State was the college where a coach named Jerry Sandusky worked who molested children... Bad taste.

    0
    0points
    reply
    #3

    Should I Doubt The Safety Of My Holidays?

    Sign with suspicious quotation marks around safe on a beach holiday advertisement featuring four happy people on Rodos.

    vagabondchinchilla Report

    12points
    POST
    #4

    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

    Wooden sign with suspicious quotation marks around the phrase happy home, displayed above a white stove.

    reddit.com Report

    12points
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #5

    Starbucks Is Offering Everything These Days

    Starbucks sign with suspicious use of quotation marks around second service, making the message sound hilariously suspicious.

    docju Report

    10points
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #6

    Uhm

    Sign with suspicious quotation marks around Eye Doctor, creating a hilariously suspicious impression in the text.

    houtaroo Report

    10points
    POST
    #7

    Don’t Mind Me, I’m Just Doing “Laundry”

    Sign for a laundromat with suspicious quotation marks around Laundry, making it look hilariously odd at night.

    fishtacofiends Report

    10points
    POST
    roxy-eastland avatar
    Roxy222uk
    Roxy222uk
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think we know what’s getting laundered in there, and it’s not textiles

    0
    0points
    reply
    #8

    After Finding This, My Wife And I Refer To Anything Naughty As "Bible Reading"

    Sign on fence with misplaced quotation marks around Bible Reading, creating a hilariously suspicious message about a session time.

    TordYvel Report

    10points
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #9

    If Not Dog, Then What?

    A metal gate with a sign humorously warning about a suspicious dog using quotation marks on the word dog.

    FeverAyeAye Report

    9points
    POST
    roxy-eastland avatar
    Roxy222uk
    Roxy222uk
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some how I’m imagining a middle aged man who gets a kick out of pretending to be a dog on his days off

    0
    0points
    reply
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #10

    Hmm

    Sign with suspicious quotation marks around the word toilet making the message sound hilariously suspicious.

    Jep0005 Report

    9points
    POST
    #11

    From Breakfast Today. Didn't Grab Any

    Container of shredded cheese with suspicious quotation marks around the word cheese on the label, creating a funny sign.

    reddit.com Report

    9points
    POST
    #12

    Right… “Food”

    Sign with suspicious quotation marks around food, humorously suggesting questionable items are sold in park.

    LegThePeg Report

    9points
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #13

    Are They Really Sorry?

    Sign with suspicious quotation marks on cafe closure message, creating a hilariously confusing impression.

    legal-eagle8207 Report

    8points
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #14

    Yes, Officer, I'm "21"

    Sign with suspicious quotation marks around the number 21 humorously questioning age requirement to enter.

    turbobex Report

    8points
    POST
    #15

    I Guess I Am Supposed To Steal Them?

    Sign with suspicious use of quotation marks around the word pay, creating a humorous effect in a store setting.

    P10_WRC Report

    8points
    POST

    Never miss a story that brings joy to the world. Follow on Google News

    #16

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

    Sign at Dunkin using quotation marks around iced and ice, creating a hilariously suspicious message about drinks and ingredients.

    ThyKnightOfSporks Report

    8points
    POST
    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #17

    Don't Be Surprised If The Band Is Not Alive

    Sign with hilariously suspicious quotation marks around the word live for Texas BBQ and band event on a building facade.

    reddit.com Report

    8points
    POST
    roxy-eastland avatar
    Roxy222uk
    Roxy222uk
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I dread to think what I’d be eating off the barbeque

    1
    1point
    reply
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #18

    I’m Not A Fan Of Rabbit “Teeth”

    Sign with suspicious quotation marks warning not to put fingers in cages because rabbits have "teeth" in animal enclosure.

    bobert_the_wise Report

    8points
    POST
    jameshall_3 avatar
    Laughing Orc
    Laughing Orc
    Community Member
    2 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Those are terrible cages to keep rabbits in, irrespective of the "teeth" situation 😢

    1
    1point
    reply
    View more comments
    #19

    I Want To Touch It

    Fence with a warning sign using quotation marks around electric fence, making the message hilariously suspicious.

    a_leprechaun Report

    8points
    POST
    #20

    "Wet"

    Chair with a handwritten sign using quotation marks around the word wet, making the cleaning note sound suspicious.

    Gjnieveb Report

    8points
    POST
    roxy-eastland avatar
    Roxy222uk
    Roxy222uk
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think this one makes sense. I suspect someone had an accident on that chair.

    0
    0points
    reply
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #21

    A "Loving Tribute"

    Memorial bench plaque with signs that put quotation marks in places, making the message sound hilariously suspicious.

    JeremyTheMVP Report

    8points
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #22

    No One Under "18"

    Stop sign with quotation marks around 18, creating a hilariously suspicious message about age restrictions.

    AtomicBurrito_ Report

    8points
    POST
    #23

    Very Welcoming

    Letter board with hilariously suspicious use of quotation marks around the word room, placed on a marble countertop with fruit nearby.

    MathaMeticulous Report

    8points
    POST
    jameshall_3 avatar
    Laughing Orc
    Laughing Orc
    Community Member
    2 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one is intentional. It's referencing an actor in Tommy wiseau's The Room.

    1
    1point
    reply
    View more comments
    #24

    Found In A Store In My City, Upstairs Seems A Little Suspicious

    Chalkboard sign with suspicious quotation marks around the word fascinating, making everything sound hilariously suspicious.

    reddit.com Report

    8points
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #25

    Took My Inspiration From One Of You Guys And Used This At My Target

    A sign with suspicious quotation marks around “Thanks” placed above red bins in a storage area.

    NotGeorgeLucas_1138 Report

    7points
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #26

    Don’t Use Your “Feet” Please

    Sign with suspiciously placed quotation marks around the word feet, humorously warning against using them to flush toilet.

    Ditto132 Report

    7points
    POST
    #27

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

    Sign humorously uses suspicious quotation marks around words like Milk, Dish Washing Liquid, and Fortnight.

    skididdle Report

    7points
    POST
    #28

    As Opposed To The Meat Filled “Avocados”?

    Basket of avocados with a price sign hilariously placing suspicious quotation marks around "avocados" phrase.

    huffer4 Report

    7points
    POST
    bksf avatar
    UKGrandad
    UKGrandad
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No, as opposed to carnivorous avocados. Vicious buggers.

    1
    1point
    reply
    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #29

    A Sign At A Local Wildlife Park

    Red caution sign with quotation marks around words, making the warning sound hilariously suspicious and unusual.

    boho_carrot Report

    7points
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #30

    They Actually Unalive You

    Sign with suspicious quotation marks around the word banned warning about trash and broken glass in pool area.

    Glocks10mike Report

    7points
    POST
    #31

    Spotted At My Local Chinese Restaurant

    Handwritten sign with suspicious quotation marks offering free drink while waiting for "food" including water, tea, lemonade.

    Kashmiiir Report

    7points
    POST
    #32

    A Welcome Note Left By Hotel Staff. Should We Be Concerned?

    Handwritten note from Holiday Inn with suspiciously placed quotation marks around the word Enjoy, showing funny punctuation misuse.

    linuxfingers Report

    7points
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #33

    So... There's "Nothing" In This Cabinet?

    Sign with suspicious quotation marks around the word nothing, making the storage rule sound hilariously doubtful on cabinet door.

    HauntedFurniture Report

    7points
    POST
    jameshall_3 avatar
    Laughing Orc
    Laughing Orc
    Community Member
    2 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Great! I've been looking for a place to put my "nothing!"

    0
    0points
    reply
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #34

    Yes...Our "Customers"

    Yellow sign with quotation marks around the phrase our customers, humorously implying suspicious praise in a public entrance.

    DustyTheLurker Report

    7points
    POST
    #35

    More Like An Hour Of Torture, I Guess

    Sign with suspicious quotation marks around the word Lecture on a concrete wall, illustrating funny quotation marks usage.

    reddit.com Report

    7points
    POST
    #36

    What Does It Cost

    Sign with suspicious quotation marks saying kids can "free" run the train, featuring cartoon train images at a model train display.

    SmolMeep Report

    7points
    POST
    roxy-eastland avatar
    Roxy222uk
    Roxy222uk
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How. . . how . . . how are they making the kids pay?

    0
    0points
    reply
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #37

    "Free"

    Signs with suspiciously placed quotation marks around free, making the offer hilariously unclear at a store display.

    wizzle_wazzle Report

    7points
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #38

    I’m Not Sure If This Is A Legit Vitamin

    Orange BANG soda dispenser with a sign putting suspicious quotation marks around Vitamin C.

    timmyprime Report

    7points
    POST
    #39

    I Don't Know What To Expect

    Grocery aisle sign with suspicious use of quotation marks around the word and, making the sign look humorous.

    robotNumberOne Report

    7points
    POST
    #40

    So, Should I?

    Hilariously suspicious sign with quotation marks around "DONT" warning not to lean the glass, showing quirky punctuation.

    MrMacGyver1 Report

    7points
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #41

    Saw This The Other Day At Work

    Sign using suspicious quotation marks around women, requesting gentlemen to put the toilet seat down in the workplace.

    Imnotlikeyou281 Report

    6points
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #42

    What Does This Even Mean?

    Sign with suspicious quotation marks around the word no, warning against after hours donations at a donation drop-off center.

    Fun_Western164 Report

    6points
    POST
    #43

    The Authorities Have Got Wise To Our "Dance Parties"

    Sign with suspicious quotation marks around dance party, humorously implying no real dance event tonight in building.

    HauntedFurniture Report

    6points
    POST
    #44

    I'd Rather Not Touch The 'Rock', Thanks

    Sign with suspicious quotation marks saying "Touch this 'rock' to discover what the 'cave' feels like" on display.

    HauntedFurniture Report

    6points
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #45

    Ocean City, MD

    A bathroom faucet with a red sign that puts quotation marks around the word down, making it suspicious.

    scottishpig Report

    6points
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #46

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

    School sign with quotation marks around the word Good, creating a hilariously suspicious message.

    dr4gon1154 Report

    6points
    POST
    #47

    Hmmm

    Sign with quotation marks around words open and break, making the hours look hilariously suspicious on a white wall.

    Capable_Vast_6119 Report

    6points
    POST
    foams_sequins-0x avatar
    Not-a-Clue (she/her)
    Not-a-Clue (she/her)
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's also a much longer break than they intended, I suspect.

    0
    0points
    reply
    #48

    Can I Take The Pen Or Not?

    Blue container with a sign that uses suspicious quotation marks around "NOT" and requests to leave pens here.

    OpioidSlumber Report

    6points
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #49

    ...If That "Is" Your Real Color

    Sign on wall humorously using quotation marks around red above a red biohazard trash can in a medical or lab setting.

    herr_oyster Report

    6points
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #50

    “Birds”

    Sign with quotation marks around the word birds, making the message suspicious and humorous about feeding animals.

    comradekaitlyn Report

    6points
    POST
    roxy-eastland avatar
    Roxy222uk
    Roxy222uk
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well we know they’re all robots

    0
    0points
    reply
    #51

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

    Thermostat with a handwritten note using suspicious punctuation around words like up, 55, and off in quotation marks.

    MOMTHEMEATLOAFF Report

    4points
    POST
    Follow