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It’s common to see signs everywhere we go. The uninspired welcome board at the entrance of a restaurant, the classic ‘no smoking’ sign, or the black and white ones that say ‘park here’. But if you look around carefully, the world is full of silly signs that are anything but boring. And the r/signs subreddit is proof of that. This light-hearted online community shares some of the most entertaining signs out there. Below, we’ve compiled our favorite bizarre and witty signage from them. Keep scrolling to check out some eye-catching signs, and don’t forget to upvote the ones that make you smile.

#2

Sign Local To Me

Sign Local To Me

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#3

Sorry

Sorry

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Nicky
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This needs to be higher. (I once went to a zoo in Egypt and everyone was ignoring the white rhinos, zebras, lions, and giraffes but were crowded around one exhibit featuring a raccoon, an exotic animal from North America.)

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You will find signs not just in public spaces but also in businesses and even on roadways. While these signs provide us with all the details in a very unappealing way, it’s intriguing to see creative signs like these ones.

When you visit a park and need information about trails or picnic areas, all you need to do is look for a sign board indicating the name and distance of the spot. Similarly, they also point out the rules for activities such as swimming and fishing.

#4

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CaliCoast
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I didn't already have a dog, I'd adopt one just so I could use this groomer!

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#6

Understatement?

Understatement?

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For visitors and residents alike, being able to find clear directions and accurate opening and closing times is important. Regardless of their familiarity with the area, people might be able to navigate public spaces comfortably thanks to wayfinding signage.

These signs help tourists orient themselves, and locals might just discover new areas. In order to improve accessibility, signage can also include features like Braille and tactile elements to ensure that everyone can understand the information provided.

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#9

Artist Unknown

Artist Unknown

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Simona M.
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Smart owner saved a lot of money by printing that little sign. Very smart🙂👍

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A blog by the Merson Group, who are known for place branding and digital signage, points out the significance of signage being consistent and clear. They mention that popular points of interest, such as historical monuments, should be precisely signposted.

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For instance, there should be interesting signs alongside heritage buildings sharing details about the site. According to them, signage can be integrated to pay homage to a city’s past.

#11

Good Neighborhood

Good Neighborhood

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#12

RedditRocks2021 Report

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AlienatedCheeseStick
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would, if I liked coffee… and if my ADHD brain would actually let caffeine keep me awake instead of almost knocking me out lol

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In the retail space, unique messages on sign boards help attract walk-in customers. People can also know about sales, discounts, and deals that a shop offers. For instance, when you visit a mall, you see a sign on a store that says, "Warning: trying on clothes may lead to unexpected purchases." Reading such ingenious signs may instantly put a smile on your face.

#13

The Ultimate Six Word Story

The Ultimate Six Word Story

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Attractive signs not only help brands create a lasting impression but also encourage shoppers to visit their store. When designed properly, they help people get an idea of what to expect from your shop.

For small businesses, signs help create awareness by letting customers know what products and services you offer.

#16

Absolutely No Parking

Absolutely No Parking

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#17

Barber Shop Sign Tells It Like It Is

Barber Shop Sign Tells It Like It Is

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#18

My Local DQ

My Local DQ

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Watermelon
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I read "Scream 'Daddy' until he stops the car." Interpret this any way you would like to.

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On the other hand, signs that are badly designed turn customers away. They are either confusing or just plain ugly. To begin with, they might have poor fonts, making it nearly impossible for people to read them. The color combinations could also spoil the way signs turn out. Imagine using a white font on a white background.

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The worst ones are the signs that lack crucial information. If you are looking at a bookstore’s sign, you would want to see their opening hours. Signs that don’t reflect the company’s overall visual branding don’t leave a good impression.

#19

Hes An Optimist

Hes An Optimist

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#20

He Sleeps With His Legs In The Air

He Sleeps With His Legs In The Air

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

I'm not sure which is more confusing. The message on the sign or the complete lack of font consistency.

Verena
Community Member
5 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I got an € for every time a panicky tourist either contacted me or the neighbours about our sleeping horses, the horse's food would be royally paid for. A lot of people don't know that horses of all ages need to lay down flat for a deep REM sleep, to stay healthy. 10 to 15 minutes, two to three times within 24 hours is sufficient. And they do snore, yes. And dream. Edit: Some idiots throw sticks and stones at them to check if they are dead or sick. So we have the same sign on the fences.

Tabitha
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The picture would’ve been complete if the horse was actually sleeping in the field.

Upstaged75
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For some reason people don't realize that horses actually DO lay down to sleep. They can nap while standing up, but they sleep better laying down. And anytime passers by see horses down in the field they automatically think they're sick or dead. Nope, just taking a snooze! :) Oh, and those aren't blindfolds you see them wearing in the summer - they're fly masks. It's basically a screen to keep the flies out of their eyes. And they see out of it just fine. We get called about "dead" and "blindfolded" horses all the time.

LizzieBoredom
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Mr. Praline: I'll tell you what's wrong with it, my lad. 'E's dead, that's what's wrong with it! Owner: No, no, 'e's uh,...he's resting. Mr. Praline: Look, matey, I know a dead parrot when I see one, and I'm looking at one right now. Owner: No no he's not dead, he's, he's restin'! Remarkable bird, the Norwegian Blue, idn'it, ay? Beautiful plumage! Mr. Praline: The plumage don't enter into it. It's stone dead. Owner: Nononono, no, no! 'E's resting!"

glowworm2
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m heavily reminded of that video where a Scottish women shouts at her neighbor’s horse, “Steven! I thought you were dead.” There’s also a channel on YouTube where a women talks about her horses who love to “carcass”, particularly one named Squidward.

Louise Stange-Wahl
Community Member
5 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a cry when I saw this sign. We lived it. One of my horses, who was with us since she was 4 years old, was in her 30s. She was healthy and got all her shots and vet visits to our farm, but she had Cushing's disease, looked thin, and her hair looked like a shag carpet. I had idiots stop and yell at me to take care of my horse. The Humane Society was even called (they knew her story and told the caller that NO ONE takes better care of their four-legged kids than we do). She made it to age 35! Here we are in 1966 when I was 16 and she was 7! I still miss her every single day. She was awesome! Marti-and-...c4f761.jpg Marti-and-me-Oct-15-1966-001-6664b57c4f761.jpg

SkekVi
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is this on Famous Owner of Horses Named Squidward and Chicken Nugget Hayden Krystal's horse enclosure? XD

Mary Peace
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Entry to contest to use the greatest number of different fonts and colors on a sign.

Miki
Community Member
5 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Look at my horse, my horse is amazing" :D

Lotekguy
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do horses snore more when they sleep on their backs, or is that just a human thing?

Nimeet Shah
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live near this guy. Sadly his horse has passed and the sign taken down.

Whoopdeedoo
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This horse IS not dead. LEAVE HIM ALONE oh and the owner too I guess

Kaedyn Walsh
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your first annunciation is odd. Makes most sense to be 'the horse is NOT dead.",or like the owner has it, "the horse is NOT DEAD." Even "IS NOT DEAD." But only" is" being in caps like have it makes no sense. But why did you rehash what the sign says anyway?

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#21

They Don't Like Americans Very Much

They Don't Like Americans Very Much

lostproton Report

Businesses can use different types of signs to make their establishment stand out. It’s all about getting creative these days. Imagine that you are passing by a restaurant that has illuminated signs: the ones that use lighting elements such as LEDs or neon tubes. They will not only attract attention during the day, but they will also increase visibility during the night. Some billboards also have illuminated signs.

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Another unique selling point could be pylon signs. You can usually find these tall displays near roadways or highways. They include names and logos and are often used to advertise shopping centers or new attractions in town.

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Restaurants, cafes, and bars can also use outdoor signage to attract more customers. They can use puns and make vibrant drawings on sidewalk signs using chalkboards. Imagine you are having a stressful day and you suddenly see a sign that reads, 'Our cafe is a latte fun—come sip, relax, and enjoy!'. Chances are, you might go in to unwind and have a cup of cappuccino. Owners should make sure to place the signage where it is visible to as many passersby as possible.

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While we are used to seeing signs that convey important messages, provide directions, and ensure safety, there are also these unique ones that are either very clever or just bizarre or hilarious. When advertising and sales teams put effort into creating quirky signs, they often stand out.

Many brands even use their logos on sign boards. For instance, the iconic golden arches are the primary signage for McDonald's restaurants all over the world.


#25

Found This In A Toilet In Japan

Found This In A Toilet In Japan

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Sky Render
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To be fair, it's not unheard-of for someone from Japan to have never seen a sitter toilet. The standard model in many places is a squatter!

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Not all signs are meant to serve a purpose. Many of these weird signs defy logic and common sense. But they surely make you smile. Whether it’s a genuine mistake or a carefully drafted sign, these posts remind you how a little creativity goes a long way.

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Which one of these signs do you want to see in person? Tell us about hilarious sign boards in your neighborhood!

#29

Guess We Go Naked

Guess We Go Naked

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#30

Figured It Fit Here

Figured It Fit Here

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Note: this post originally had 57 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.