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Have you ever wondered what civilization would be like without signs? Without diamond-shaped boards that warn us to give way or brightly colored banners informing us about the meal deal of our lifetime? My best guess would probably be chaos. In fact, you wouldn’t be reading this article right now, as language is an intricate system made up of many signs and symbols. 

Indeed, the world would be very different than it is today if it weren’t for cavemen and cavewomen and their primitive drawings 20,000 years ago. To rekindle our appreciation for signs and everything they represent in our society, Bored Panda has gathered a list of some of the most genius and interesting ones down below. Be sure to upvote the placards that perhaps taught you something new, and don’t forget to share the coolest ones you have come across, dear Pandas!

While you're at it, make sure to check out a conversation with Bryant Gillespie, designer and founder of Better Sign Shop, a growth platform for sign and print shops, who kindly agreed to answer a few questions all about signs.

#1

This Sign On The Way From Islamabad To Nathia Gali, Pakistan

This Sign On The Way From Islamabad To Nathia Gali, Pakistan

Massive-Ranger2593 Report

To learn more about signs and how they're made, we reached out to Bryant Gillespie, designer, and founder of Better Sign Shop, a growth platform for sign and print shops.

He told us that what inspired him to pursue a career in sign-making was a combination of love for design, solving challenges, and tinkering. "I’ve always been fascinated by how signs can influence behavior and convey important information quickly and effectively.

I also just kind of fell into it after moving to a different part of the country. Being able to apply many different disciplines—design, printing, construction/fabrication, electrical – along with the creativity involved appeals to a lot of us sign geeks."

#2

Cassowary Warning Signs In Far North Queensland

Cassowary Warning Signs In Far North Queensland

Rd28T Report

"The sign-making process typically starts with understanding the client's needs and the message they want to convey," he explains. "This is followed by brainstorming and sketching design ideas. Once a concept is chosen, we move on to digital design, selecting materials, and finally, production.

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To attract attention, signs should have a clear message, bold colors, and readable fonts. To educate, they should be informative yet concise. To amuse, incorporating humor or clever visuals can be very effective."

#3

Singapore Has Nearly 700 Dementia Go-To-Points, Where People Appearing Lost Can Be Helped To Identify Themselves And Find Their Way Home

Singapore Has Nearly 700 Dementia Go-To-Points, Where People Appearing Lost Can Be Helped To Identify Themselves And Find Their Way Home

the_wellspring Report


Gillespie believes that signs absolutely play a crucial role in our society. "They guide us, inform us, and sometimes even entertain us. From road signs that ensure our safety to informational signs that help us navigate spaces, their impact is significant. They also serve as powerful tools for branding and marketing, helping businesses attract customers and communicate their values."

#4

My Local Brewery Had This Sign And Beer For Dads No Longer With Us

My Local Brewery Had This Sign And Beer For Dads No Longer With Us

"This seat & beer are for the dads that are not with us today..."

Stinkydadman Report

The earliest signs created by humans, as far as historians can tell, date back to the Stone Age, 18,000 BC. Our ancestors drew symbols on cave walls to visually express that they had products for trade or barter.

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Some experts call this symbolic advertising to other tribes, with visualizations of hunted wild animals, pots, and arrows dating back 40,000 to 45,000 years. 

#5

Let's Help Frogs Live Their Best Lives

Let's Help Frogs Live Their Best Lives

thegallowboob Report

#6

It Feels Like This Is To Tell People To Get Their Horses To Slow Down

It Feels Like This Is To Tell People To Get Their Horses To Slow Down

le_DWK Report

In early civilization, about 800–500 BC, craftspeople in Ancient Egypt painted and carved symbols on terracotta, stone, brick, and wood to advertise their services and stand out from others. Typically, they would be found in marketplaces, temples, and other public spaces. Later, they were discovered in the ruins of Pompeii and other cities.

Meanwhile, the Ancient Greeks used signs to communicate with citizens who couldn’t read. Many of them remain to this day, like the staff of Hermes, which often hangs on the corners of pharmacies, or the goddess Demeter, who symbolizes grain, bread, and harvest. In the Roman Empire, widely used signs were made from wood, brick, stone, and marble.

#7

This Underwater Wet Floor Sign

This Underwater Wet Floor Sign

RoosterCock247 Report

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#8

The Glass Is Full

The Glass Is Full

TheGayGuy_GER Report

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#9

Sign At My Local Library

Sign At My Local Library

I_do-not_reddit Report

Things gained momentum in medieval Europe about 1000 AD–1700. This was influenced by the economic and cultural revival that opened new trade opportunities. Craftsmen began using unique, identifiable signs to differentiate themselves to customers. Business owners would hang the emblems on poles. They were more popular than letters, as the majority of the population was illiterate.

#10

My Residential Neighborhood Has Signs For Your Dog

My Residential Neighborhood Has Signs For Your Dog

Qwertyboi2 Report

#11

Different Terms For Book Lovers From Around The World

Different Terms For Book Lovers From Around The World

DogeDoRight Report

#12

A Road Sign Near A Park In Istanbul, That Says “Watch Out For Cats And Dogs”

A Road Sign Near A Park In Istanbul, That Says “Watch Out For Cats And Dogs”

mardinlee Report

Interestingly, in 1389, England’s King Richard III ordered all taverns and ale houses in the country to display outdoor signs so the monarch would be able to easily locate them for quality testing. That’s why so many pubs nowadays still use signs from the 15th century.

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#13

This Sign On The Door Of A Local Business

This Sign On The Door Of A Local Business

OneTrueClassy Report

#14

Stop Sign In Mohawk Native American Language In Norther NY State

Stop Sign In Mohawk Native American Language In Norther NY State

Edorded Report

#15

My Local Hospital Has Examples Of When You May Need An Urgent Care vs. An ER

My Local Hospital Has Examples Of When You May Need An Urgent Care vs. An ER

Striken15 Report

The barber pole that many men's hair salons use also originated from medieval times, when barbers were not only cutting hair but also extracting teeth and performing surgeries. Such services were provided for poorer people who couldn’t afford to go to a physician.

#16

A Resort I’m At Has A Sign To Warn Tourists About Seals Sleeping On The Beach

A Resort I’m At Has A Sign To Warn Tourists About Seals Sleeping On The Beach

coldsong Report

#17

This Sign On The Bathroom Door Of A Local Seafood Restaurant

This Sign On The Bathroom Door Of A Local Seafood Restaurant

Certain-Ferret3692 Report

#18

An Incredibly Down-To-Earth Sign At My Son's Baseball Field

An Incredibly Down-To-Earth Sign At My Son's Baseball Field

bradfo83 Report

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The red color represents drawing blood to cure diseases or infections. White symbolizes a stick that a person would hold to make the veins more prominent during the procedure so they would be easier to find. As for the blue stripe, some attribute it to the colors of the American flag, while in Europe it may have differentiated barbers from doctors.

#19

This Sign Letting You Know That Forrest Gump Ran Here

This Sign Letting You Know That Forrest Gump Ran Here

TheMikeChadwick Report

#20

This Sign For Temporary Fencing To Protect Birds

This Sign For Temporary Fencing To Protect Birds

Holmes02 Report

#21

This Sign Near A Lake

This Sign Near A Lake

PlantAlphattv Report

With the growth of cities and populations, outdoor signage significantly increased in number, and English law required every establishment to have one. Signs illuminated with candles were also just appearing before electricity was invented. By the 18th century, the placards had become larger and heavier than ever, marking the start of the painted storefront emblems outside businesses.

#22

This Sign Asking You To Walk On The Grass

This Sign Asking You To Walk On The Grass

ModerateStimulation Report

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#23

This Brewery Patio Has Rules For Dogs

This Brewery Patio Has Rules For Dogs

SuperCub Report

#24

A Sign That Forbids Adults Who Are Not Accompanied By A Child In A Public Park

A Sign That Forbids Adults Who Are Not Accompanied By A Child In A Public Park

thegraym0user Report

Finally, we reach modern history, when companies grew bigger, as did the need to grab the attention of consumers. With newly discovered commercial printing and the revolution of sign design, it became a new art form. The invention of gas and electric power was also a game-changer, as signs could be visible at night too.

#25

This Incredibly Specific Stop Sign

This Incredibly Specific Stop Sign

youliveinmydream Report

#26

At My Work There’s An Original Sign From The 40s About Wearing Your Safely Goggles

At My Work There’s An Original Sign From The 40s About Wearing Your Safely Goggles

_StoryCast_ Report

#27

Road Sign In Mozambique

Road Sign In Mozambique

tobhamhor Report

Advertisers were constantly trying to find new and advanced ways to produce better, more efficient, and larger quantities of signs. This brings us to today, where large-format printing and digital technology make mass production even faster, and the industry is worth over $37.4 billion.

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#28

They Could've Just Made A Stop Sign Instead Of This Sign, But They Were Like, "No Let's Build Excitement Before The Big Drop"

They Could've Just Made A Stop Sign Instead Of This Sign, But They Were Like, "No Let's Build Excitement Before The Big Drop"

CJToledano Report

#29

Custom Restroom Sign In Hawaii-Themed Restaurant

Custom Restroom Sign In Hawaii-Themed Restaurant

geminian77 Report

#30

A Sign Over A Urinal In Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean And Binary

A Sign Over A Urinal In Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean And Binary

kalvinoz Report

#31

Town Of Roswell’s Alien Abduction Welcome Sign

Town Of Roswell’s Alien Abduction Welcome Sign

LifeWithAdd Report

#32

The Shadows From The Sign Have A Different Spelling From The Actual Sign

The Shadows From The Sign Have A Different Spelling From The Actual Sign

thehippestmanalive Report

#33

This Hotel Has Different Soda Brands On Different Floors

This Hotel Has Different Soda Brands On Different Floors

Impracticalweeb Report

#34

This Parking Space Is Reserved For People Who Commit Random Acts Of Kindness

This Parking Space Is Reserved For People Who Commit Random Acts Of Kindness

Rbxyy Report

#35

This Is The Only "No Smoking" Sign For Any Of The Hotel Room Numbers

This Is The Only "No Smoking" Sign For Any Of The Hotel Room Numbers

jewfro451 Report

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#36

"No Parking" Sign Under The Water At A Harbor In Malta

"No Parking" Sign Under The Water At A Harbor In Malta

Embarrassed_Cake_496 Report

#37

A Sign Warning Of Falling Cattle

A Sign Warning Of Falling Cattle

evner Report

#38

Don't Do It

Don't Do It

Snail_salter Report

#39

$100 Fine For Eating Durian Fruit In My Hotel In Vietnam

$100 Fine For Eating Durian Fruit In My Hotel In Vietnam

Schmargen Report

#40

This Hotel Has More Exit Signs On The Ground Than On The Ceiling

This Hotel Has More Exit Signs On The Ground Than On The Ceiling

FishFearMe1 Report

#41

It's The Hands For Me

It's The Hands For Me

youcantusetwocoupons Report

#42

My Local Gas Station Has To Put A Sign In The Milk Section Cause People Open The Milk To Put It In Their Coffee, Then Put It Back

My Local Gas Station Has To Put A Sign In The Milk Section Cause People Open The Milk To Put It In Their Coffee, Then Put It Back

AlejandroSosa__ Report

#43

The Strangest Road Sign I've Ever Seen, This Is At Tongue Causeway. Does Anyone Know What It Means? Beware, Octopus Likes To Play With Cars?

The Strangest Road Sign I've Ever Seen, This Is At Tongue Causeway. Does Anyone Know What It Means? Beware, Octopus Likes To Play With Cars?

bubblegumgal14 Report

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#44

This Stop Sign In Rome Has A Stick Figure Sawing The Hyphen

This Stop Sign In Rome Has A Stick Figure Sawing The Hyphen

bankmint Report

#45

This Tiny Stop Sign

This Tiny Stop Sign

Cyprinidea Report

#46

On I-385 In South Carolina, There’s Just A Sign That Reminds You When The Korean War Took Place

On I-385 In South Carolina, There’s Just A Sign That Reminds You When The Korean War Took Place

Falcons2Flynn Report

#47

No Horses Allowed In The Sea Sign

No Horses Allowed In The Sea Sign

crazycockerels Report

#48

The Signs On The Side Of The Highway In Texas Warn Against Stopping On The Road For The Solar Eclipse

The Signs On The Side Of The Highway In Texas Warn Against Stopping On The Road For The Solar Eclipse

rock_fact Report

#49

This Sign In A Karaoke Room Imploring Patrons Not To Open A Door

This Sign In A Karaoke Room Imploring Patrons Not To Open A Door

goestotwelve Report

#50

The McDonald's In My Town Has A Sign With Only One Arch

The McDonald's In My Town Has A Sign With Only One Arch

HalxQuixotic Report

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#51

This Sign Doesn't Apply To Children Under The Age Of 3 Or Adults Over The Age Of 80

This Sign Doesn't Apply To Children Under The Age Of 3 Or Adults Over The Age Of 80

Frosty-Brain-2199 Report

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#52

My Shipping Pallet Had Previously Been Used As A Sign At A Wedding In 2018

My Shipping Pallet Had Previously Been Used As A Sign At A Wedding In 2018

blakeley Report

#53

When Sightseeing In London, You Notice Things You Haven't Noticed Before

When Sightseeing In London, You Notice Things You Haven't Noticed Before

Acerbic_Lemon Report

#54

This Random Crosswalk Sign In My City Has A Chicken On It

This Random Crosswalk Sign In My City Has A Chicken On It

among_shadows Report

#55

My Movie Theater Has A Sign For End Credits

My Movie Theater Has A Sign For End Credits

Crafted_20 Report

#56

This Gas Station Sign Includes The Price Of Slurpees

This Gas Station Sign Includes The Price Of Slurpees

A_Ruse_ter Report

#57

The Sign That My Grandma Had On Her Only Bathroom For Over 65 Years

The Sign That My Grandma Had On Her Only Bathroom For Over 65 Years

TheTFEF Report

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#58

Sign In The Women's Bathroom At Rest Stops On The I-80, PA

Sign In The Women's Bathroom At Rest Stops On The I-80, PA

sarina800 Report

#59

This Sign In The Grocery Store's Parking Lot

This Sign In The Grocery Store's Parking Lot

verylargetoad Report

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#60

This Highway Sign Let's You Know What Highway You Are Not On

This Highway Sign Let's You Know What Highway You Are Not On

shortbizzle Report

#61

Sticker In My Taxi Says The Driver Is Single And Open To Flirting

Sticker In My Taxi Says The Driver Is Single And Open To Flirting

psychopathycathy Report

#62

Around London Docklands There Are Signs About The Risks Of Swimming In The Canals

Around London Docklands There Are Signs About The Risks Of Swimming In The Canals

Abiarraj Report

#63

My Local Laundromat Uses Washing Machine Fronts For A Sign

My Local Laundromat Uses Washing Machine Fronts For A Sign

11equals7 Report

#64

An Owl Attack Caution Sign

An Owl Attack Caution Sign

BestOfSalem Report

#65

Drove Past This Today And Had To Drive Back For The Picture 

Drove Past This Today And Had To Drive Back For The Picture 

rambiolisauce Report

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#66

Dog Warning Sign With The Assault Count Of Different Mail Services

Dog Warning Sign With The Assault Count Of Different Mail Services

pontixxx Report

#67

This Target Doesn't Allow Unaccompanied Minors

This Target Doesn't Allow Unaccompanied Minors

FinancialRaid04 Report

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#68

This Hospital Sign That Bans Wearing Certain Types Of Scrubs Outside

This Hospital Sign That Bans Wearing Certain Types Of Scrubs Outside

Karnakite Report

#69

Don't Miss This One-Time Offer

Don't Miss This One-Time Offer

reddit.com Report

#70

The Lichen On This Speed-Sensitive Road Sign Has Only Grown Over The LEDs

The Lichen On This Speed-Sensitive Road Sign Has Only Grown Over The LEDs

acquiescentLabrador Report

#71

Communication Board At Kids' Playground

Communication Board At Kids' Playground

WarpCitizen Report

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#72

A "No" Sign With No Context

A "No" Sign With No Context

Onahail Report

#73

Local Walmart Has Someone's Picture Next To Price Sign For Loofahs (Same Photo On Both Sides Of Display)

Local Walmart Has Someone's Picture Next To Price Sign For Loofahs (Same Photo On Both Sides Of Display)

thejeepcherokee Report

#74

Pickleball Is Too Noisy For This Tennis Court

Pickleball Is Too Noisy For This Tennis Court

seeance Report

#75

This Burger King Sign Has Only Said “Ew” For The Past Year

This Burger King Sign Has Only Said “Ew” For The Past Year

Emmulah Report

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#76

The Apartment My Mom Lives At Used The “Star Wars” Font For This Sign

The Apartment My Mom Lives At Used The “Star Wars” Font For This Sign

BobooFrick Report

#77

"No Wake" Signs Put Up In South Florida Neighborhood Roads

"No Wake" Signs Put Up In South Florida Neighborhood Roads

aroused_browser Report

#78

This Sign Warning Of A Dog Who Runs In Front Of Cars

This Sign Warning Of A Dog Who Runs In Front Of Cars

Shangri-lulu Report

#79

Stop Signs In Quebec, CA Have A Little Picture Under Them Showing Who Else Has To Stop

Stop Signs In Quebec, CA Have A Little Picture Under Them Showing Who Else Has To Stop

lowercase__g Report

#80

A Stop Sign Where Only The S Is Capitalized

A Stop Sign Where Only The S Is Capitalized

PieFlour837 Report

#81

Men Working In Trees

Men Working In Trees

FloridaFlamingoGirl Report

#82

A Mildly Passive-Aggressive Warning Sign By The Local Police Department

A Mildly Passive-Aggressive Warning Sign By The Local Police Department

Zoiby-Dalobster Report

#83

This Sign At The Hotel Pool Chose To Use Millimeters As The Conversion To Metric For Some Reason

This Sign At The Hotel Pool Chose To Use Millimeters As The Conversion To Metric For Some Reason

brothaleroy Report

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#84

This Sign Is On The Side Of My Son's School. It Says "School" And "Shooting Range", And Both Are In The Same Building

This Sign Is On The Side Of My Son's School. It Says "School" And "Shooting Range", And Both Are In The Same Building

hrve Report

#85

The Weird Text Color Choices On This Sign

The Weird Text Color Choices On This Sign

sickcodebruh420 Report

#86

This Sign Claims That The Paint Has Special Properties

This Sign Claims That The Paint Has Special Properties

bitemy Report

#87

Stop Sign On The Musqueam Reserve In Vancouver, BC

Stop Sign On The Musqueam Reserve In Vancouver, BC

dnaka22 Report

#88

Blockbuster Sign In West Philadelphia

Blockbuster Sign In West Philadelphia

Sad-Manufacturer657 Report

#89

This Sign In My Uber In Houston This Weekend

This Sign In My Uber In Houston This Weekend

BellyMind Report

#90

Speeding?

Speeding?

objectif49 Report

#91

Red Drinks Are Not Allowed At A Local Sports Complex

Red Drinks Are Not Allowed At A Local Sports Complex

Irrational_Bacon Report

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#92

This Barber Shop With A Sign On The Side Implying People Don't Think Lyme Disease Is For Real

This Barber Shop With A Sign On The Side Implying People Don't Think Lyme Disease Is For Real

SoMuchScreaming Report

#93

Sign At An Entrance To BLM Land In Utah

Sign At An Entrance To BLM Land In Utah

lickyoureye Report

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#94

This Sign At The RV Park I'm Staying At

This Sign At The RV Park I'm Staying At

chazmosaur Report

#95

Sign Uses Both Measurement Systems

Sign Uses Both Measurement Systems

OMGLMAOWTF_com Report

#96

The Hotel I’m Staying At Forgot To Change Out Both Signs, Leaving Very Different Cleaning Fees

The Hotel I’m Staying At Forgot To Change Out Both Signs, Leaving Very Different Cleaning Fees

Digitalizing Report

#97

This Sign Says Whoa Instead Of Stop

This Sign Says Whoa Instead Of Stop

NickSweetwater Report

#98

This Restaurant Sign Allowing Legal Carry (NYS)

This Restaurant Sign Allowing Legal Carry (NYS)

Insertions_Coma Report

#99

"If This Calendar Means Something To You, Scan The QR Code" A Job Recruitment Ad

"If This Calendar Means Something To You, Scan The QR Code" A Job Recruitment Ad

Yan_Jobs Report

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