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A good sign should be eye-catching, easy to understand, and informative. But this post is about a different kind of sign.

You see, some signs are so weirdly specific and hilarious that they make people, intentionally or not, wonder about the whys and whats. They make your imagination run errands and seem to tell us a whole lot more than they’re actually supposed to be saying. How is that possible, you ask? Pull your seat closer.

Below we wrapped up some of the most entertaining signs from all walks of life, spotted by passersby who suddenly had more questions than they had answers. Upvote your favorite ones as you scroll down below and be sure to check out more funny signs that very likely have stories behind them in our previous feature.

#1

The Sign Is The Story

The Sign Is The Story

Imfloridaman Report

#3

Tent Poles

Tent Poles

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Potty pagan panda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder how many times the tent came crashing down on a disappointed father hmm?

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“Signs that cause confusion often result from poor design choices or messaging that is too complex or open to interpretation,” Laura Vanagaite, an international freelance graphic designer who specializes in branding and social media content creation, told Bored Panda in an interview via email.

As an example, she added, these are signs with ambiguous or conflicting messages that can create confusion for those who see them.

Moreover, confusion may also arise not only from the sign itself but rather from its placement. “Signs that are poorly placed or not visible can fail to communicate their message effectively,” Laura said.

This is because the placement and the context of a sign can have a significant impact on its meaning, Laura argues. “For example, a stop sign placed at an intersection can convey a clear message of traffic control, but the same sign placed in a parking lot may not have the same intended meaning.”

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#9

Saw This In A Restroom Today And Thought That It Belonged Here

Saw This In A Restroom Today And Thought That It Belonged Here

TheSouthCarolinians Report

“Similarly,” Laura continued, “a sign with a bold font and bright colors placed on a city street may communicate urgency or danger, while the same sign in a more relaxed setting may not have the same effect.”

Essentially, the context in which a sign is placed can create associations with the surrounding environment and influence how people perceive it. “Therefore, it is crucial to consider the placement and context of a sign to effectively communicate its message,” Laura told us.

#10

I’m About To Spray My New Kitchen Cabinets

I’m About To Spray My New Kitchen Cabinets

chainsawgeoff Report

#11

Buys House Next To Pub, Complains When Pub Is Noisy

Buys House Next To Pub, Complains When Pub Is Noisy

NecessaryDingo Report

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Zoe Vokes
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think that’s fair. If the pub closes at 11.30pm / midnight then lots of people are trying to sleep. And drunk people can be noisy.

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Norman Beattie
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Like buying/renting a house next to the Airport, Train tracks, Truck stop etc - Then complain about it !

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Sheila Stamey
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love the word whinge. It's so appropriate! I'm america we take off the g and say whine, but I like the original.

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D Peterson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

whinge /(h)winj/ BRITISH verb complain persistently and in a peevish or irritating way. "stop whingeing and get on with it!"

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R. H.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The best noise complaints are the ones I heard from the new development that was built under MCO's (Orlando Int. Apt) flight path. McCoy dates back to 1940, and the housing developments I'm thinking about were being built in the 1990's, and didn't anyone look up before buying their house? ?? And how the hell do you NOT notice an aircraft a minute passing overhead.

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Mallory Morrison
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is more common than you would think. I've worked for more than one bar that the neighbor would constantly call the cops. (in both cases the bar was there BEFORE they moved in)

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Carlos
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to have a downstairs neighbor (I lived in an apartment building) that would whine if I basically just walked, if I watched TV at over 20 volume, if a freaking pen were to fall out of my hand she would complain to management. She complained so much that I installed various area rugs, and was basically walking on eggshells in my own apartment. She complained a lot about various neighbors until management basically told her, "if its not loud enough for the police to come by, don't bother us" She moved at the end of her lease. What an annoying person, glad she's gone.

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Panda Showcase
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Linus is right like, WHY WHINGE? I totally agree with Linus. It doesn't make sense why the pub sign would say "Whinge" instead of "Whine" and direct people to go to the council. It seems like a strange and unnecessary word choice.

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Valerie G.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank heaven I used to watch Coronation Street and Eastenders, I know all the British terminology. I'm in my 70s now and find both have too much violence. I miss the days when there was a lot of humour, mixed with the usual troubles people go through.

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Liz Orreo trex ago go
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's called soundproofing. Rockwool or rock board and triple glaze, cannot hear a thing.

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Janet Weston
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whinge = moan quietly to yourself or anybody else that will listen to you . Usually done by a balding middle aged man with nothing better to do . He cleans his car every Sunday and mows his grass every Saturday. Definition of a whiner .

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Lisa H
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just like this one guy on Nextdoor was complaining about the noise when he decided to buy a house less than 2 miles from our local airport. The comments section on that one ripped him a new one. Like, dude, what did you expect??

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Michael Largey
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No doubt those people also resent that this establishment dares to attract individuals seeking alcohol into the neighborhood.

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#12

Interesting

Interesting

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Paul C.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I told my bloody Satnav I was happy to use the Toll paying bit of the M6 in England. 3/4 of the way along, it took me off the Motorway for half a mile then back on through the Toll Booth, meaning I had to pay twice! My own fault I know, it tells you don't just follow the instructions without thought.

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The sign may also be confusing if it’s put at the wrong time and at the wrong place. “A sign that is not relevant to its location or its audience can be ineffective or even counterproductive,” Laura warns. “For example, a sign advertising winter clothing during the summer months or in a location where it seldom gets cold may not resonate with its audience.”

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#13

Found In My High School. I Would Not Like To Know What Necessitated This

Found In My High School. I Would Not Like To Know What Necessitated This

Vantablack_Lotus Report

#14

How Many Times I Wonder?

How Many Times I Wonder?

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#15

Posted Inside The Lyft I Am Riding In. It Has Never Crossed My Mind That This Could Be A Bad Question, So I Appreciate The Heads Up!

Posted Inside The Lyft I Am Riding In. It Has Never Crossed My Mind That This Could Be A Bad Question, So I Appreciate The Heads Up!

poosie_galoar Report

“Similarly, a sign promoting a product or service that is not available in a particular location can create confusion and frustration for those who see it. It's important to consider the appropriateness of a sign's placement and messaging to ensure that it is effective and useful to its intended audience,” Laura explained.

When creating a sign, Laura argues, it's crucial to consider the user experience. “As a sign designer, you need to take into account the needs and expectations of the intended audience.”

#16

I Work In An Industry Where Rude Customers Are A Constant. Today We Posted This Sign. The Team Loves It

I Work In An Industry Where Rude Customers Are A Constant. Today We Posted This Sign. The Team Loves It

TheFastbat Report

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#18

1. I Have No Idea Where This Is, And 2. I Want To Be There Immediately

1. I Have No Idea Where This Is, And 2. I Want To Be There Immediately

reddit.com Report

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Serial pacifist
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The raccoon chooses its special person. Dave, he just doesn't like you, stop coercing him.

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According to a graphic designer, a well-designed sign should possess these key features: “have clear and concise messaging, be visually appealing and easy to read, and be placed in a location where it can be easily seen and understood.”

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“Additionally, it should consider the audience's needs and expectations to effectively communicate its message,” Laura concluded.

#19

My Gym Is Trying To Catch A Phantom Pisser

My Gym Is Trying To Catch A Phantom Pisser

4_tha_ents Report

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Trillian
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Better yet, block the door from the outside and let him steam in his own pee

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#23

Don’t Touch The Mug

Don’t Touch The Mug

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#25

Who Has Pet Bears

Who Has Pet Bears

IAmTheBiggestCheese Report

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Will Cable
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Someone asked if they could bring a 'Pooh Bear'....sadly reception had the wrong idea and the mess took ages to clear up.

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#27

Uhhhh

Uhhhh

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Alexia
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I unintentionally scared the people at airport security. I had my laptop charger and a candy box (which I left in the backpack when I got through security). The guy watching the screen froze, his face turned white and he moved back and forth the band with my backpack. Then he turned to me and asked me what I had in the backpack. "Nothing important, some candies, my laptop charger, an agenda..." He explained me that it looked like an explosive device. It was nice to see his face regaining the normal colors :)

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#29

I’m Pretty Sure This Is Like A Fish Tank Or Smth… 💀 I Just Don’t Understand Why A Sign Would Be Needed, Have Ppl Been Stirring This Fish Tank For Fun?

I’m Pretty Sure This Is Like A Fish Tank Or Smth… 💀 I Just Don’t Understand Why A Sign Would Be Needed, Have Ppl Been Stirring This Fish Tank For Fun?

chocobabie_ Report

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sinead
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aw. Poor little guy. He's so cute. No one had better stir that fish tank!!! I'm serious.

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#30

There's A Story Behind Every Sign Like This

There's A Story Behind Every Sign Like This

DBTheNerd Report

Note: this post originally had 90 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.