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
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 security people at the airport. I had my laptop charger and a candy box (which I had 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?
Aw. Poor little guy. He's so cute. No one had better stir that fish tank!!! I'm serious.
the fish protection gang will come for you if you do
Load More Replies...I'm sorry but why would you have him in a public place? Someone take the poor thing home to a quieter environment.
No people haven't been stirring the tank, they've been getting the fish all worked up
they obviously need to put up a sign for people who are too dumb to know this
Load More Replies...i think it might mean disturbing the fish by tapping the glass and stuff. don't get him worked up and upset.as opposed to literally stirring the fish tank
'Pretty sure this is a fish tank'? What... what else did they think the glass box with the fish in it was?
These are the type of tanks you see in restaurants. Nothing but water and some gravel. They are awful and so cruel.
People these days do the most thoughtless things. Doesn't anyone think for a moment before taking action?
:( I would like to douse whomever stirs that poor fish’s water in honey and unleash a ‘stored’ hive of hornets on them….
Maybe free it? Let it live out it's best life. Who needs fish that live within a small tank?
There's A Story Behind Every Sign Like This
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...