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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
2 weeks 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
    2 weeks 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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    #3

    Oh Good, Didn’t Want To Misplace It!

    Funny ad fail with a poster suggesting resume submissions above a trash can in a store entrance.

    OldSoulSpeaks Report

    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.

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    #5

    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

    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

    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
    2 weeks 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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    #8

    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
    2 weeks 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

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    #9

    ‘Oilyfans’ Billboards Show Bp Chief Executive Topless After Earning £10 Million

    Billboard with a shirtless man and funny text highlighting CEO pay raise, parodying an OnlyFans theme.

    KirkGlobalWitness Report

    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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    #11

    I See Your Car Doors And Bus Windows, And Give You This

    Advertisement misalignment on sliding glass doors, creating a humorous effect.

    SpookyItalianDish Report

    #12

    This Large Billboard Of A Random Goat

    Billboard featuring a goat, illustrating funny ad fails in outdoor advertising.

    norwigga Report

    #14

    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

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    glowworm2
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This looks like an advertisement for a different type of Thor movie! 🤣 Bro Back Mountain, perhaps?

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

    How does this even happen? Doesn't the production company release the official posters to theaters? Unless someone googled it with the intention of stealing intellectual property. In which case, they deserve this embarrassing mistake.

    Doofnuts
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wonder what the audience members looked like? (god I'm dying here)

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    #15

    That Is Not How That Works

    Pan strainer, leaking water onto a plate of pasta, demonstrating a funny ad fail.

    vluv99 Report

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    #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

    #19

    Choose Asia. Choose Wrong

    Signboard displaying satay skewer ad with text "Choose Asia. Choose Wrong," highlighting funny ad fail.

    Afroohmygod Report

    #21

    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
    2 weeks 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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    #22

    Put Up The Advertisement Boss

    Funny ad fail on restaurant sign: "Too hot to change sign. Food great, beer cold, we open."

    Meowch22 Report

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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
    2 weeks 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

    #27

    At A Local Library. Have No Idea What’s Going On

    Funny ad fail at Chicago Public Library, showing a person with a foot for a head, holding headphones.

    thenewyorkgod Report

    #29

    The Menopause; It's Natural, Irish And Genuinely Works

    Advertisement sign with a woman smiling next to "Let's Talk Menopause" tagline, related to funny ad fails.

    bunnyumptious Report

    #30

    People Will Never Learn To Not Put Faces In Corners

    Bizarre ad fail with mismatched faces and fashion, creating a funny visual mix-up.

    evvolin Report

    #31

    Interesting Billboard On My Way To Work

    Billboard with funny ad fail reading "#YOLO Get Divorced" against a scenic backdrop.

    herewegeaux Report

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    #34

    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
    2 weeks 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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    #35

    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
    2 weeks 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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    #36

    This Ad

    Storefront display with controversial "Black Fridays Matter" sign, showcasing a funny ad fail.

    almostparallel76 Report

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    Rizzo
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "If you're in advertising? K!ll yourselves!" (Bill Hicks, 1961-1994)

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    #37

    Bus Ad That Seems To Be Advertising Human Trafficking

    Advertisement showing human trafficking facts, misplaced next to vibrant real estate promotion; an example of funny-ad-fails.

    Agitated_Customer_79 Report

    #38

    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
    2 weeks 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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    #39

    Taste The Feeling Of Cr*ppy Lenticular Design

    Funny ad fails with a distorted image of a person and the words "TASTE THE FEELING" on a poster.

    MosiTheLion Report

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    #40

    Goeye Rgelash

    Storefront with humorous signage fail, showing staggered words for "Gorgeous eyelash extension" in bold letters.

    spinfip Report

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    Corvus
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I remember Goeye Rgelash - he was one of the orcs in The Lord of the Rings.

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    #41

    Drove Past This Malfunctioning Billboard Outside A Major Sports Stadium

    Billboard displaying a Windows error message, illustrating a humorous advertising fail.

    chickenman7 Report

    #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
    2 weeks 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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    #43

    I Don't Think Mirrors Work Like That

    Woman in a white robe facing a bathroom mirror with a humorous ad fail reflected.

    averyloonyravenclaw Report

    #44

    As Campaign In Munich For The Euro Championship

    Subway tunnel ad fail featuring a distorted giant face on the ceiling.

    Sinnes-loeschen Report

    #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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    #48

    Cool New Ad!

    Billboard showing a computer desktop with icons, illustrating a funny ad fail.

    Kenwric Report

    #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

    #50

    Saw This At My Local Car Dealer

    Humorous ad fail with a misaligned car wrap showing a man's face distorted by a trunk seam.

    reddit.com Report

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    #51

    My Doctor Has The Oddest Old Posters In His Waiting Room

    A funny ad fail showing a woman holding her skirt, revealing a surprised little boy with the text "Seeing is Believing."

    reddit.com Report

    #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
    2 weeks 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

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    #56

    Passed This Driving Through LA. I Thought It Was A Movie Poster

    Billboard with "Syphilis Explosion" text, showcasing a funny ad fail in a public space.

    Thegerk551 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

    #58

    This Poster Has Wrinkled In It's Stand Rather Amusing Way

    Ad fail showing a distorted mannequin photo with a zigzag sweater, causing an amusing visual mishap.

    -Damien- Report

    #59

    Was Shopping For Shoes Then I Saw This Model In The Picture

    Store display featuring a woman in sandals with cut-off text, a humorous example of funny ad fails.

    Synse Report

    #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
    2 weeks 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
    2 weeks 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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    #64

    This Real Ad That Reads Like A Cards Against Humanity Entry

    Ad for travel insurance with humorous text about "multiple-broken-arms" ruining vacation.

    Blindburrows Report

    #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
    2 weeks 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
    2 weeks 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

    #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

    #71

    Nobody Is Wearing A Watch In This Watch Ad

    Man and child arm wrestling, Timex ad with the phrase "Wear it well", representing funny ad fails.

    andensome 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
    2 weeks 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
    2 weeks 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.

    #81

    An Attempt To Advertise A Special

    McDonald's sign displaying humorous fail, reading "$2 for $5 is back," under a sunny blue sky.

    samyammick Report

    #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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    #85

    What?

    Car rooftop sign with humorous text error: "I'm-n-Us, Me 'R' a We, 2 plus 2 = 3," showcasing a funny ad fail.

    Creek_ Report

    #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
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

    #88

    Something Scary Happened To Their Feet

    Couple standing with mismatched reflections, creating funny ad fail by appearing half-submerged in a pool.

    lumaine Report

    #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
    2 weeks 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.

    CottonStorm Report

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