Writing is a bit like alchemy. You take a bunch of separate elements—like grammar, style, flow, passion, creativity, story, characters, twists, and turns—and you mix them together to get the result that you want. Sometimes, your experiments pay off and you communicate your innermost ideas to your readers. Other times, you mess up and accidentally write hilarious things without meaning to.
And, boy, do people make funny blunders often! It usually has something to do with a lack of understanding of how things like the elements of punctuation work. For example, some individuals find it hard to grasp how quotation marks should be used. And when they mess up, we’re left with suspiciously-sounding sentences and unintended double entendres.
We collected some of the best such examples from the ‘“Suspiciously” Used Quotation Marks’ subreddit, so scroll down, enjoy, check out our interview with one of the community's managers, and upvote your fave sentences. Be sure to let us know which ones made you laugh the hardest!
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Very "Useful" Tutorial
Spice up any Facebook "comment" with random quotation marks
Load More Replies...I love this. It should be used when teaching English as a foreign language!
Oh No, Timmy
and probably will see more judging by the look of "officer" Sandusky
Load More Replies...I think thats Officer Jerry Sandusky, the former coach of the Penn State Football team...
Yeah..that's the joke. It says Penn State Press on the left.
Load More Replies...@FullName I'm at school and I just looked up NAMBLA and I'm pretty sure I just got flagged by the school's administration and the government/ FBI
Load More Replies...That "Officer" diving a lime green coupe, makes me think Timmy might not make it to the end of this book. Also did anyone else notice "Penn state press" on the upper left...
I get the impression that this might be edited...
Load More Replies...Why are they on a road trip and why is he looking at poor Timmy like that??
Starbucks Is Offering Everything These Days
I was excited about this, but all they gave me was another coffee. Very disappointing.
Is there a VIP room now? This is moving very close to the movie Idirocracy
Starbucks 2505! "Yeah, well, I really don't think we have time for a hand job"
Load More Replies...Bored Panda spoke with Searchlights, one of the moderators for the '"Suspiciously" Used Quotation Marks' community on Reddit. We wanted to find out more about the subreddit, as well as why people misuse quotation marks.
"Misused quotation marks are something I've often noticed in daily life, and after seeing some caught-in-the-wild examples posted to subreddits like r/funny I got to thinking that it's an example of absurdity that is prevalent enough to have its own subreddit," Searchlights said about the founding of the community. "The challenges I've had in growing the subreddit has largely been a matter of time. The sub gains 10 to 15 subscribers per day organically, but on days when a post makes the front page I'll see an influx of hundreds or thousands of new subscribers. That usually happens a half a dozen times a year."
"The persistent problem with the subreddit is quality control. There are a lot of submissions that are redundant or that people just don't find to be funny."
I Feel So Sorry For That Actor
It's Checkov's Gun. You cannot hang this not and then NOT shoot.
Load More Replies...A "Loving Tribute"
They could have a twisted sense of humour, asking for the quotation marks just to make people wonder.
I hope you are right. I like a twisted sense of humor.
Load More Replies...This is so sad. Just disrespects them, which I'm sure wasn't the intent.
This Is What I Think Of Your So-Called Allergy
Jollof rice is a dish that are made with chicken, meet (what kind depends on how poor you are, so it can be beef or sheep as an example) or fish. It would be equivalent to a western restaurant offering pasta with different condiments, like tomatoe sauce or cheese sauce. I used to live in West Africa, jollof rice is soo good.
Load More Replies...No. Sigh. So few people truly understand how the human body and gluten really works. 🙄
Load More Replies...They probably actually get customers with "allergies".. "No, I am allegic to xx but I will just have it for dessert" After staff prepper all food at a separate table.
You're not "dying" because you ate our food, you were "dying" anyway
Bored Panda was interested to figure out why so many people find it hard to grasp how quotation marks should be used. Here's what Searchlights had to say: "I tend to think it's related to the challenge of finding nuance and tone in text. People want to emphasize a word, and for whatever reason they think putting it in quotations gets them there."
"Generally, the use of quotation marks (when they're not an actual quotation) carries a connotation of sarcasm, or of a tongue-in-cheek admission that the thing in quotes isn't actually what it's said to be. That's what has the effect of making the statement suspicious," they explained. "My favorite examples usually come from the food service industry. There's something alarming about chicken being written dubiously as "chicken" (what is it, really?)"
My Husband Was Given This Notepad At His New Job. Most Discouraging Use Of Quotation Marks
You matter, unless you multiply yourself by the speed of life twice, then you energy.
Suspicious Church
Actually, this one is correctly used. Threatening to baptize offenders is clearly an empty threat, so this is the correct usage of the quotation marks.
I feel like there shouldn't be quotes at all because if the offender agreed to it he would definitely be baptized.
Load More Replies...If you were baptized, would that make you eligible to be a church member, thus allowing you to keep your vehicle there?
Regardless you would still have to attend the service while your parked there. The sign does say CHURCH PARKING ONLY
Load More Replies...Church parking. Only violators will be "baptized". or Church parking only. Violators will be "baptized". Punctuation marks matter.
Am I the only one whose goes to thinking "baptized" means they're gonna pee on your car? 😝
That Is Unsettling
We do it all. Honestly (we do) or We do it all (and do it ) honestly.
According to the Macmillan Dictionary Blog, there are some very good reasons why people misuse quotes. Usually, quotation marks (aka inverted commas) are used for quotations (wow, what a shocker!), to denote the title of a book or movie or some unfamiliar words.
What’s more, we use quotation marks to show that we’re using a word with irony or to demonstrate our skepticism. After all, if you call someone a writer in your article, it’s a compliment; on the other hand, calling them a “writer” would be an insult! The Oxford Manual of Style calls these ‘scare quotes’ and explains that writers use them to distance themselves from the words in question.
You Might Want To Clarify Your Acronym A Bit
Well... maybe some customers deserve to be treated this way :)
Load More Replies...So Many Questions
Finally a slogan that every politician can use and it isn't even a collection of lies.
I Don't Think I've Ever Been More Intimidated By A Piece Of Mail
I'm not sure if I'm more scared about the Donald Trump part or the "gift" part...
But in that case, it would be an actual gift, not a pretend "gift"... Right?
Load More Replies...Hey is this like the sweepstakes with Ed McMahon? Trump will show up at your door with a "huge" cheque...?
Now, here’s the (geeky) fun part: whereas some people stress a certain word by bolding it, underlining it or writing it in italics, certain individuals do this by putting quotation marks around them. And that’s wrong. Because most other people know that using inverted commas this way opens up the door to hidden meanings, sarcasm, and moral judgments.
But quotation marks aren’t the only abused part of punctuation. Commas have it hard, too, you guys. In fact, they get so upset when they get ignored that they completely change the meanings of some sentences out of revenge.
Look at the sentence “Let’s go get a little Italian, baby,” courtesy of Your Dictionary. It’s clear that the speaker’s suggesting to their partner that they should go out for Italian food. But! Remove the comma and the sentence changes! Now, the speaker’s suggesting to their partner that they go find a small child from Italy. Whoops!
Don't Know How I Feel About This "Plastic Surgeon"
When they pull out the industrial sized caulking gun is when I would question how "real" they are...!
Translation: Done by a guy that watched half an episode of Nip/Tuck.
I Don't Know If I Want To Visit This So-Called "Church" Of Yours
It's not really, but maybe, or on even-numbered days, or - or - or - or - - - -
"Free Candy"! Don't worry, it's from "Officer" Sandusky...
Load More Replies...Suspicious Quotes
The quotes are just about as annoying as the space between WE and AR in WEAR. WE AR YOURS
He's undead now, and will devour your soul if you're not wearing a helmet.
The real meaning of this is just depressing. That the owner of this helmet still lives, but not really, most probably out of a nasty guilt.
They probably mean he "lives" on through his helmet, because it's put up for a "good cause" now. XD
So remember, Pandas, write Fresh Fish instead of “Fresh” Fish and I Love That Dress, Sweetheart instead of I “Love” That Dress, Sweetheart. Unless you want to lose customers or get into an argument with your spouse, that is. And remember to put commas where they’re supposed to go.
Sir This Is The "Police"
The quotation marks should only be around one of those words. Doesn't matter which one.
“Professional” Law Enforcement Professional “Law” Enforcement Professional Law “Enforement”
Load More Replies...Professional Law Enforcement is arresting an armed robber without any shots fired. "Professional Law Enforcement" is shooting an unarmed woman who reported a crime.
Once it's a whole phrase it begins to look like a quote, though, which is an acceptable use of quotation marks. Like they were reviewed by Huffington Post or something.
All police cars in California should have this written on them. Also, our speed limit signs should be SPEED LIMIT "65"....our stop sign should say "STOP".
People don't know how to use quote marks, apostrophes, or semicolons, but it would be to their advantage to refresh their memory. The information is available to all, just Google it, but the problem is that they just don't care.
Should I Doubt The Safety Of My Holidays?
On the flip side have you seen this family? They disappeared last week...
You shouldn't "doubt" the sign. You're "overreacting" I'm sure it's perfectly "safe"
"Sober"
"Sober" as in I manage to stay just below the legal limit for drunk driving.
"Befriended"
I'd Rather Not Touch The 'Rock', Thanks
Why do so many people not understand how to use quotation marks??!!!
I imagine "rock" is in quotes due to this being a fallen stalagmite or stalactite, as opposed to the local bedrock, and they are encouraging visitors to touch this piece as opposed to the walls of the cave itself.
Awww, darn it, you're ruining the weird hilarity with your logical realism!
Load More Replies...I Also "Love" My Job
I might but I don't know what the job is.
Load More Replies...If I could write random s**t on a chalkboard and get paid I’d “love” my job too Looser
Rightfully Suspicious Quotes
Yes, similar to Donald Trump "won" the 2016 election
Load More Replies...That's not suspicious quote - that's just how it is and always has been in Russia.
Yeah, but only because he made sure his was the only name on the ballot, after all of his challengers met the business end of a Russian umbrella.
Stop Mom! Free "Face Painting"
Mom? Mom, what are you doing? Mom? MOM? NO, MOM, STOP! AIEEEEEEEE!!!!!
I Always Buy My "Candy" At My Local Bowling Alley
Or a van marked "Church Van" (with quotation marks)
Load More Replies...Uh, What Kinda Teacher Again?
"So you think maybe you'll be a prostitute. Just to pay for your lessons, you're learning the flute. Ladies wouldn't pay you very much for this. Looks like you'll never be a concert flautist." ~ 'Inner City Pressure' by Flight of the Conchords
Definitely used to be a euphemism used in classified ads, back in the day, as were 'French lessons' and 'Greek lessons'.
It's "Officer" Sandusky, and what he's "wanted" for is something else completely.
Load More Replies..."Nothing" In Car
The quotation marks alone make me want to break into that car to see what they're hiding. 😂
I wrote a large note similar to this and placed it under the windshield wiper. They took the note.
Of Course. I Mean, What Else Would You Even Put In There
There is a shop that has bongs but sells them as “essential oil pourers” and another place advertises them as “vases”.
Lol I live in the UK, drug paraphernalia is legal to sell so our bongs are just called bongs 😂
Load More Replies...The use of quotations in this case might be appropriate. We all know that no one smokes tobacco out of bongs.
But this isn't a blooper! They're using the quotation marks correctly in this case, because everyone knows these bongs aren't actually used for tobacco...
"Kitchen wares I guess?" "Cool! That's where I kept it too!" Only 90s kids will get this.
While marijuana is still illegal in many places in the US, the head shops are forbidden to mention it in relation to any of their products. In this case, they use terms like "herbal" "medicine" "tobacco" in place of the forbidden Pot/MJ. Thankfully this silly restriction is less common than it was even 5 years ago. Around the University area in my town some stores were required to refuse to sell to anyone who says mj/weed/pot/grass etc when discussing products with their staff. But the times, they are a- changing....
Uhm?
Yours? Hmm
She wanted to be clear it wasn't another woman's beautiful baby, I guess
No... that's the part she's clearly _not_ sure about!!
Load More Replies...Hate It When You "Accidental" Salmon
Chicken. Don’t ask how, we’re not quite “sure” ourselves.
Load More Replies...I guess he made one too many substitutions in his chocolate cake recipe.
This does actually work in context. I have no idea how you're supposed to make a dish seem accidental, but apparently you can.
Mom, Are You Proud Or Not?
I feel like this is meant to be taken two ways so that's why it is in quotes. She's proud of her kid and this may be a pride parade so she is using word play..kinda? So good for her if that is the case. My aunt has a trans kid(well he's like 25 now) and she goes to pride parades in a rainbow shirt that says "free mom hugs" and gets hugged all day.
I think the quotes are for the double entendre. That's pretty awesome, tbh.
Yes, Officer, I'm "21"
21 feet tall? 21 deaths in Super Mario 64? 21 Kirby Plushies they sleep with?
"If" You Catch My Drift
If it's your home, you are being too polite, some people will just laugh as they are scum !!!
It's Written On Police Cars
This one isn't terrible, it's not unusual to put quotes around slogans.
If that's their slogan, the quotation marks are being used properly.
"Specialized In Various Specialties"
This is less about the quotation marks and more about what the sign says. Board-certified, specialised in various specialities.
Internal? I like this guy. I'm so sick of all that external medicine I've been getting.
The term 'internal medicine' has always mystified me...
Load More Replies...It looks like some ads we can have in our mailbox on flyers (in France) : Mr XXXXX superior certified shaman, worldwide famous doctor in his town, can heal you from pain, unluck, bad spirits, bad sexuality [...] and repair and cclean your computer ! To sum up, those flyers are always a good way to have a good laugh :3
Specialised in various specialities? How much did that daft man pay for an advert that gives absolutely no reason to contact him or access his services?
I used to ride the bus to work and it passed a company called General Specialties. Always wondered.....
Mechanic Wanted
Yeah, we need a "qualified" mechanic - who are you? sure, come be our mechanic
Am I the only who is equally bothered by the random use of red letters on two of the words, for no apparent reason?
I can see why they would use it this way. In the USA, a theoretically qualified mechanic might have ASE certifications, but a realistically qualified mechanic may lack that certification, but have years of actual experience.
Pedantic of me I know but experienced is not qualified, just doesn't mean they are less knowledgeable.
Load More Replies...When Looking Up What McNuggets Are Made Of
Yes. Actual chicken.......................and pork offal, snot, s**t, tar, grit,plastic and dirt. All "fit for human consumption".
Ahh, the dreaded pink slurry. If it is called "mechanically separated chicken", it's illegal. But pink slurry is fine.
Thought it was only illegal if beef? Genuine question btw.
Load More Replies...And by actual "Actual Chicken" they mean feathered birds who are pumped with so many hormones and antibiotics that thier breasts become so large, so quick that the legs can no longer support the weight. They lay in thier own filth, unable to move.
Found This At A Secondhand
What... is even happening with this thing?! It looks like it came from Engrish.com or something. My favorite part is the ominously bold font for "LAUGHTER."
I've got the whole thing being read by Terry Pratchett's Death.
Load More Replies...A What Now
Just Seen In A Microsoft Presentation. Yeah, It Sure Is
According to a niece who has risen in the ranks, it's a great place to wok.
What even happened with the first quotation... it's literally two commas like ,,this"
I'm more interested in this "Flexible working model" Is she a redhead?
I am mystified by the strange placement of the first quotation mark, though. Reminds me of the Spanish exclamation and question marks. ¡exclamation! ¿question?
That is confirmation that they REALLY don't know how to use quotation marks.
Load More Replies...It became a fashion about 10 years ago for presentations to be made intentionally bad - poor spelling, inappropriate sound clips and unprofessional animations; incongruously unprofessional - avoiding the "death by powerpoint" syndrome and making elements more memorable and enjoyable for audiences as brands were released from their 'stuffed shirt' image.
Thats actually not a wrong quatiation since its a play on words for the prestigious award Great place to work.
A Not So Happy New Year
Should I Be Worried About The Freshness Of This Meat?
This Ambulance Scares Me
Chinese uses quotes to "emphasize" words. Maybe some of these were written by someone whose first language is Chinese. But I still think Timmy should steer clear of "Officer" Sandusky.
Interesting, that could explain a lot of those mistakes. Or alternatively, "explain" those "mistakes" XD
Load More Replies...There are many other ways to emphasize words without possibility of opposite meaning - bold, italic, **, uppercase.
Annoyingly can't use bold and italics on Bored Panda in the comments.
Load More Replies...Looks like most people don't know what quotes are for and how to use them. I laughed a lot :D
My friend put quotation marks where the apostrophe goes on his business cards for attention. He knew everybody who saw it would say something. People still remember and use his cleaning service
Nice use of a deliberate mistake! I suspect many online articles have glaring mistakes written into them so people complain and it ups their interaction stats.
Load More Replies...I can't get the vision of Dr. Evil saying these things and doing the quotation marks with his fingers
Chinese uses quotes to "emphasize" words. Maybe some of these were written by someone whose first language is Chinese. But I still think Timmy should steer clear of "Officer" Sandusky.
Interesting, that could explain a lot of those mistakes. Or alternatively, "explain" those "mistakes" XD
Load More Replies...There are many other ways to emphasize words without possibility of opposite meaning - bold, italic, **, uppercase.
Annoyingly can't use bold and italics on Bored Panda in the comments.
Load More Replies...Looks like most people don't know what quotes are for and how to use them. I laughed a lot :D
My friend put quotation marks where the apostrophe goes on his business cards for attention. He knew everybody who saw it would say something. People still remember and use his cleaning service
Nice use of a deliberate mistake! I suspect many online articles have glaring mistakes written into them so people complain and it ups their interaction stats.
Load More Replies...I can't get the vision of Dr. Evil saying these things and doing the quotation marks with his fingers
