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.
This post may include affiliate links.
The Sign Is The Story
Sign At A Cat Cafe
Tent Poles
I wonder how many times the tent came crashing down on a disappointed father hmm?
“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.
Yes The Deer Are The Danger
Hikers Are Warned
Very Spooky
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.”
Blursed Sign
Ok
Saw This In A Restroom Today And Thought That It Belonged Here
“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.
I’m About To Spray My New Kitchen Cabinets
Buys House Next To Pub, Complains When Pub Is Noisy
Like buying/renting a house next to the Airport, Train tracks, Truck stop etc - Then complain about it !
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.
whinge /(h)winj/ BRITISH verb complain persistently and in a peevish or irritating way. "stop whingeing and get on with it!"
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
It's called soundproofing. Rockwool or rock board and triple glaze, cannot hear a thing.
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 .
No doubt those people also resent that this establishment dares to attract individuals seeking alcohol into the neighborhood.
Interesting
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.
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.”
Found In My High School. I Would Not Like To Know What Necessitated This
How Many Times I Wonder?
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!
“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.”
I Work In An Industry Where Rude Customers Are A Constant. Today We Posted This Sign. The Team Loves It
Let's Be Honest, You Would
1. I Have No Idea Where This Is, And 2. I Want To Be There Immediately
The raccoon chooses its special person. Dave, he just doesn't like you, stop coercing him.
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.”
“Additionally, it should consider the audience's needs and expectations to effectively communicate its message,” Laura concluded.
My Gym Is Trying To Catch A Phantom Pisser
Toilet But!
Huh
I Wonder
Don’t Touch The Mug
Don’t Feed The Wildlife
Who Has Pet Bears
Someone asked if they could bring a 'Pooh Bear'....sadly reception had the wrong idea and the mess took ages to clear up.
I Apparently Didn't Get An Invite
Uhhhh
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 :)
I Wonder Who Tried To Milk Their Cat
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?
There's A Story Behind Every Sign Like This
A Great Sign I Found At Auckland Zoo
When They Park Like S**t
On A Highway
Something Funny I Saw Tonight Near My House
What Happened 64 Days Ago?? [oc]
Do Not Use
Tuna Milkshake
Funny, But I Can't Vouch For Its Authenticity
But I thought committing belligerent and embarrassing actions was the whole point of putting Fox News on the air.
Simple Beauty
Do Not Dumb Here
This Ride Only Stops In An Emergency
What Made Them Have To Put This Sign Up?
F***in Jason…
Accept No Substitutions
Say No More
Blessed
I know Cornholme. It's a tiny place in West Yorkshire on the road between Todmorden and Burnley. Hebden Bridge is a bit down the road from Tod and is a major centre for alternative lifestyles and same sex relationships. Historically Burnley was home to the Pendle Witches. I think Cornholme sees itself as a bit of an enclave.
Do Not Disturb
The Poor Toaster
Going To Start Parking Here Every Day
Who Hurt You, Machine?
The 4 L's
Use Condoms And No Loud Moaning After 9pm
Oh God
Meow?irl
What The Hell Happened Here
This was inspired by an actual incident, here: https://eu.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/nation-world/2016/08/22/weird-florida-throwback-psychedelic-mushrooms/7210201007/
Sounds Like A Fun Campus
Knowing Doesn’t Make Me Feel Any Better!
From Someone At My University
What About Other Types Of Cheese
Why Is "Meat Service" Quotes? It Makes It Worse
Signs Tells The Story
Found At A Local Oddities Shop Called Dysfunctional Grace In Tampa
Found This In One Of The Buildings On Campus
I Eat Pizza With The Box Closed, Actually
Kids? What Kids?
I worked at a farm store and every ride on and zero turn mower came with these keychains.
Caution Very Deep Mud
Oh S**t Theyre On To Us
Clean Fire Safety
Is The Enforcement To Prevent The Bridge From Sneaking Up Behind You?
This Means War!
They're Not All Medical Heroes
Now Why Did This Sign Need Changing
I Work With A Bunch Of Savages, Apparently
I've seen bits of instant ramen noodles in a bathroom sink at my school. 🤦🏻♀
Changing Room In A Health Imaging Center
Any Idea What This Bathroom Sign Is Trying To Say?
Why climb to look over the stall when you can peer between the door and the stall.
I Feel Bad For The Soul That Made This Sign Necessary
This is common, people hang clothes from the sprinkler and break it. I've seen this sign a lot.
From A Friend Of Mine. He Saw This At One Of Our Local Dollar Generals
Anti-diarrhoea medicine is a high theft item, something about the active ingredients and drug addiction that I...have clearly partially forgotten =.= It gets nicked a lot.
Uma Oferta Gentil
A Sign With A Story I Cannot Explain
Meanwhile, In Osaka
Taken At A Bar In Thailand
No Xmas For You
I Want To Know What Caused This
This is probably a truck carrying dead animals , animal rendering products, or spoiled food.
As Opposed To What?
I’ve Never Seen A Hotel Pool Sign So Blunt Before
Every Piece Of Clothing At A Baby Store. Well Damn
Volleyball At 4pm?? Get Outta Here!
Of All The Things To Ban, Why Toothpicks?
Please
We -had- to add a sign to the sink basin at the small office ("single" occupancy restroom) where I once worked, "Do NOT sit on the sink" (yeah right, "sit"...)
It wasn't the sitting on the sink that damaged it. It was butts on the sink during sexing.
Load More Replies...Every sign has a story behind it. The sign comes after the deed.
Was looking forward to 90 signs that probably have a story behind them. Looks like BP is stiffing us 2/3 of those signs. False advertising + clickbait, what has become of this world?
Click the link at the bottom of the article for the rest
Load More Replies...We -had- to add a sign to the sink basin at the small office ("single" occupancy restroom) where I once worked, "Do NOT sit on the sink" (yeah right, "sit"...)
It wasn't the sitting on the sink that damaged it. It was butts on the sink during sexing.
Load More Replies...Every sign has a story behind it. The sign comes after the deed.
Was looking forward to 90 signs that probably have a story behind them. Looks like BP is stiffing us 2/3 of those signs. False advertising + clickbait, what has become of this world?
Click the link at the bottom of the article for the rest
Load More Replies...