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Mad Men almost managed to convince the world that marketing was made by clever folks in swanky offices, discussing and debating the ins and outs of human wants and needs. Certainly, sometimes that is the case. But there are a lot more ads and companies out there than there are competent marketers.

We’ve gathered some of the most unhinged, cursed and hilarious advertisement fails from across the world. So get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorites and be sure to share your thoughts in the comments below.

#1

Anti-Smoking Ad Accidentally Recommends Quitting The Wrong Thing

Bus advertisement with text "QUIT SCHOOL," an example of funny ad fails.

MattySadowski Report

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Andrew Irish
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Somebody noticed when this was being applied. They either super don't care to an almost impressive degree of apathy, or it cracked them up.

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#2

Chinese Hair Salon Uses Google Translate To Create An Advertising Banner, But Seems Like Their WiFi Was Down

Sign on a storefront with text error, reads "Could Not Connect to Translator Service," illustrating a funny ad fail.

KickedToTheTop Report

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Zephyr
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's why it's good to double check with another app when translating languages

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There is a distinctive difference between cheap, unimaginative ads and marketing so terrible that it actively diminishes your brand’s image. Take, for example, a 2015 ad from Bloomingdales, which included the line “Spike your best friend’s eggnog when they’re not looking.”

This is the sort of thing that absolutely begs the question, how did someone think this was ok? Their PR did issue an apology and, in a show of maturity, didn’t just blame it on some rogue marketer. However, the folks calling the shots at Bloomingdales did also approve of this ad, so that raises some questions.

#4

If There Is An Award For Advertising, I'm Sure This One Ain't Up For It

A humorous ad fail featuring a young girl with a flower in her hair and text about teenagehood.

MartinCasas Report

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Some companies will “show” just how much they trust their products by putting themselves at risk. The manufacturers of bulletproof glass come to mind, standing behind their product as someone tests a gun. Very little room for fails here. In 2006, Todd Davis, CEO of LifeLock, a company that sold data protection services put out an ad with his actual social security number.

#7

This Ad For Teeth Whitening

Close-up of a smile with extra teeth added, illustrating Funny-Ad-Fails in a humorous whitening product ad.

punchy989 Report

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Premislaus de Colo
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you look at the slogan you'll see that this is intentional and eye-catching, so this doesn't really fit here

Bookworm
Community Member
Premium
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is, but it's also super creepy, which is probably not the intention, so still a fail.

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Joy
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's designed to make you look. It's certainly memorable and that's what ads are all about. Some canny marketeers are even now including 'typos'.

TiNaBoNiNa
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That will just backfire. The way many people spell, they probably wouldn't notice and figure that's the correct way to spell it.

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Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That reminds me of the teeth from the Is' in The Maxx back in the 90s. Loved that show but damn the Is' were creepy.

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#8

Boldly Going Where No Man Has Gone Before

Funny-Ad-Fails: Exhaust pipe hilariously aligns with man's shorts in a wheelchair advertisement on a vehicle.

j3nkman Report

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Kylie
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A lot of these supposed bad ads aren't. It's just bad or not thought out placement.

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The gist was simple, LifeLock’s services were, according to Todd Davis, so effective, that even with his SSN plastered across billboards, scammers and fraudsters would still not be able to do anything. It probably won’t come as a surprise that his identity was stolen over 13 times, and, to add insult to injury, he was made to pay multiple false advertising fines. If your ad is so bad the FTC has to get involved, you messed up.

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#12

Whoopsie, Shanghai Uses Wrong Poster (Fanmade) To Promote Thor Movie

Thor and Loki movie poster in a Chinese cinema, featuring a humorous ad fail with incorrect translations.

mumooshka Report

#16

Flew Into Dia The Other Day And Saw This Ad. They're Leaning Into It The Conspiracies And I Am *here* For It

Lizard in construction gear on an ad with text apologizing for noise, part of a funny ad fail in an airport setting.

DimesOHoolihan Report

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#18

Advertising Ethical Business

Outdoor market booth with a confusing sign about ethical trade and human trafficking, depicting a funny ad fail.

karvup Report

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arthbach
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A period after 'job creation' would have been grand. Then add 'Fighting' before 'human trafficking', and suddenly you have an excellent sign.

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#24

This Billboard Literally Makes No Sense

Billboard showing a man with stethoscope for all-female nursing wing; humorous ad fail.

jif1010 Report

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Bookworm
Community Member
Premium
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe the idea is that this naked man might be caring for your mom, which is why you should go to their all female facility instead?

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#25

Maybe Not The Best Two Billboards Right Next To Each Other... Just Sayin

Two adjacent billboards create a funny ad fail, with mixed messages on quitting smoking and grit.

cool_whatsnext Report

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#34

This Billboard Has A Clear Message That #sanjose Can't Ignore

Billboard featuring a humorous ad fail with a woman's face replaced by an egg, challenging feminist values and egg consumption.

peta Report

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Pernille
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

PETA really has gone batshit insane, how can anyone take them seriously anymore?

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#35

I Live In Ghana. This Billboard Is On A Highway Near My House

Billboard with ironic message warning against reading while driving; an example of funny ad fails.

yanfo Report

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Adrienne FWB
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Surely this is a fake - "whiles" driving? Or someone is worse at editing than advertising.

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#41

Another Unattainable Body Portrayed In Advertising

Levi's ad with comically oversized legs displayed, creating a funny ad fail effect on a busy street.

dopplegango Report

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Steve Robert
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sometimes, the magician trick doesn't work. At least she found another job.

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#42

“I Put That Billboard Up, Boss!”

A weathered billboard with illegible text, a classic example of funny ad fails, stands in a suburban area.

EdiblePencilLed Report

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Pernille
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't figure out if it is Welsh or Gaelic, or just a dyslexic Dutchman.

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#45

An Ad On A Game I'm Playing. The More You Look. Not Sure What The Goal Of The Advertiser Was With The Editing Of This Photo, But This Is An Ad For Vacations

Happy family posing by a lake, with the text “Plan Your Dream Trip & Earn In-App Gifts!” showcasing funny ad fails.

Kwirt Report

#47

This Shopped Car At The Mazda Booth At The Portland International Auto Show

Red car on a scenic mountain road, showcasing a humorous advertising fail.

HarinderG Report

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#49

They Should Have Mirrored Her On The Other Side

A funny ad fail with a misaligned double exposure of a woman's face, creating a humorous effect.

Kledon69 Report

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#53

Facts Spotted In South Texas

Billboard with text "Everything's bigger in Texas, including our infant mortality rate," showcasing a funny ad fail.

justtots Report

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Premislaus de Colo
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is not a bad ad. This in fact is a brilliant ad contrasting pride of being a Texan with sad reality of infant mortalities

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#54

Unremoved Movie Poster Makes This Look Like An Animated Horror Movie

Funny ad fails with a distorted poster for "The Secret Life of Pets" on display at a theater.

winstonfiore Report

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#55

Saw This At A Bus Stop. I'd Say It's AI But The Hands Are Normal

Billboard showing a group of people in business attire with awkward expressions; a funny ad fail.

ConquestOfE83 Report

#57

A Catalog For A Clothing Company I Once Worked At. How Was This Cover Ever Approved?

Ad featuring similar-looking models with "Celebrate Diversity" slogan, a classic example of funny ad fails.

Taste_of_Natatouille Report

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#60

One Of The Shops Outside Local Mall. I Don't Even Know

Adidas ad fail with a poster misaligned behind a window, creating a humorous image.

BeterYeeter Report

#61

I Swear I At First Thought This Was An Ad Telling You To Go Shoot Old People

Humorous advertisement fail featuring a rifle and a message about senior citizens "serving a purpose."

meyerovb Report

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Rattical Red
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm trying to understand... are they calling old rifles senior citizens? And what purpose is that, that a silenced old rifle can serve?

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#62

These Spa Photos Look Like A Scary Squished Baby Face

Billboard showing funny ad fails with exaggerated makeup and facial features.

magdalenian Report

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#63

Ad For Bubble Tea In Sydney

A humorous advertisement with a man laughing, holding a drink, featuring funny ad text.

readerbynight Report

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StPaul9
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This wasn't a fail. We'll jump for the excuse to put out some rude jokes.

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#65

This Ad Says That Osteoporosis Has No Symptoms, Then Lists The First Symptom

Funny ad fails on a subway, highlighting a lack of osteoporosis symptoms with ironic humor.

Zhoull Report

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Corvus
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But keep in mind that a broken bone is also the first symptom for a broken bone.

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#66

This Double Sided Poster In The Sunlight

Man in a suit with smudged print overlay on a home decor advertisement. Funny ad fails in display design.

reddit.com Report

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Mäandertal
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These make me kinda mad! I need to print posters and similar stuff on the reg, and my print shop would never sell me this. Online is a different story, of course.

#67

This Poster At My School.... Idk, It Just Seems Weird

Collage of mismatched facial features in an ad, showcasing funny ad fails.

TheLunchBox31 Report

#68

This Billboard Was Installed Upside Down

Upside-down lawyer billboard, a classic example of funny ad fails against a cityscape.

ParaglidingPenguin Report

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#69

Cyberpunk Ad Crashed At The Mall Today

Funny ad fail showing error message over a video game poster, disrupting the display.

ptd666 Report

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#70

This Westfield Mall Ad Looks Like This Girl Is Taking A Dump

Billboard outdoors showing a smiling woman, branded with Nordstrom Rack, H&M, and others, exemplifying funny ad fails.

reddit.com Report

#73

At Putting This Poster Right Side Up

Upside-down Spider-Man poster in a frame, showcasing a funny-ad-fail in vibrant colors.

DrazziwDeew Report

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#74

I Set Up The Billboard, Boss

Large roadside billboard displaying a boot error message at night, illustrating funny ad fails.

victoryismind Report

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#75

I Hung The Sale Poster Up Boss

Store window with sign reading "Nothing Over $??," showcasing a funny ad fail.

Visaty Report

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#76

Measure Twice Cut Once

Funny ad fail with a woman's face split awkwardly between two glass doors.

GuyLamed Report

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#77

The Model In This Advertisement For Macy's Was Wearing 2 Pairs Of Glasses

Woman smiling with sunglasses reflecting an amusing ad mistake in the background, showcasing funny ad fails.

TheGnarleyGoat Report

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Jan Rosier
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well off course, she is. One to keep her hair up and a second one to protect her eyes !

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#79

The Bloke In This Tesco Poster Is Terrifying. I Wonder What Is Actually Going On Here. It Looks Like Someone Is Being Threatened With A Pizza!

Smiling man holding pizza slice in an ad with awkward slogan, representing funny ad fails.

shiv379 Report

#80

The Review And Rating For This New Play Isn't For The Play It's Advertising

Aladdin show advertisement with misaligned quote from Cinderella, showcasing a funny ad fail.

technobambino Report

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David Morgan
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, that's low. Bizarre that if they are happy to lie by implication, they still abide by the 'truth in advertising' regulations. What a bunch of cowards.

#83

Saw Someone Familiar On A Billboard, But It Looks Like She Had A Stroke

Billboard with "Need a Room?" text over a smiling woman, promoting Ramada Inn. Funny ad fail on display.

ParaplegicFish Report

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#86

There Was An Attempt To Hang A Poster

Funny ad fail with glasses display blocking man's mustache in poster.

birdrah Report

#87

A Local Vaccination Clinic Has The File Name Printed On Their Billboard

Billboard with "Get Your Double Dose" and placeholder text on top, showcasing a funny ad fail.

crankyemma Report

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Rizzo
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't try this at home - these guys are professionals.

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#90

Billboard Is Up

Upside-down billboard on a dock, illustrating a funny ad fail over water in Hamburg.

ssaa6oo Report

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Mäandertal
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not a fail, this is intentional. It says "Dear Hamburgers (people of Hamburg), we're there for you on the other side of the globe as well".

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#91

The Poster Is Installed

Funny-Ad-Fails: Barbie poster mistakenly displayed backwards inside a light box.

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