Laugh out loud with these signs

Ever come across a sign, plaque, or handwritten note that makes you pause and do a double take? Welcome to this collection of boldly public messages—some downright hilarious, others a bit puzzling, but all sure to provoke a reaction. Dive in and see if you end up amused, confused, or just completely baffled.

“Be polite”

I definitely didn’t expect a public bathroom sign to call out my sense of humor like that. That got oddly specific, huh? No guarantees—I mean, sometimes a laugh just sneaks out. Brace yourself for some awkward chuckles in the stall!

“This is crazy”

Wow, that’s a seriously unsettling road sign to come across during your morning drive. It definitely made me pause and look twice. Was there a long committee debate over that wording, or did someone just hit ‘print’ on a whim?

“Bird theft policy update”

Some signs are put up as a pre-emptive measure against something that might happen. Other signs, though, are clearly a response to an ongoing issue.

This sign reacts to some sort of bird crisis with a firm directive, and a message of good luck.

“I mean, they’re not wrong”

This is like when a job interviewer asks why you want the job and you’re supposed to answer, “for the love of the game” instead of, “because I literally need a job in order to survive.”

Sheesh.

“This One Should Be Seen More Often.”

A+ reminder to verify your info and maybe, just maybe, leave it to the experts. If only every health issue could be fixed with a quick Google search… Here’s hoping this sign spares at least one doctor from having to say, “WebMD isn’t a diploma.”

“Is there an ethical difference?”

This small business doesn’t want anyone stealing from them — fair enough! Walmart catches a random stray in the message, though.

There’s no need to parse the ethics of retail theft from small versus large businesses in this space, but it does bring up an interesting comparison.

“We should have a meeting to discuss this”

This perfectly captures the spirit of every office everywhere—endless meetings about meetings, forever and ever. Whoever made this sign clearly gets it. Honestly, just give them a promotion… or better yet, a long vacation. They’ve earned it.

“Only in Scotland”

This sign is a joke — mostly. That said, kilt-wearing, going commando, and high winds sound like they could be a risky combination.

Of course, traditional kilt wearers will probably insist on going commando all the time anyway.

“Huh. That’s… creepy. ”

Wait, did I just sign up to be part of some berry surveillance experiment? Feeling oddly self-conscious about my fruit choices now. Honestly though, this is next-level dedication to hospitality. Who knew eating blueberries could be so competitive?

“Not the potholes”

In this case, the maintenance workers are like a generous parent giving their children (the people of the town) a nice gift (smooth new roads).

However, parents can always take away privileges if they’re not respected.

“What a legend”

This is the kind of energy I aspire to: pure, unapologetic honesty for the ages. Imagine being remembered not for kindness or generosity, but for just being over it. Roger, you absolute icon.

“No wet or stinky money”

Anyone who’s worked retail can probably relate to the horror of ringing up a customer and seeing them reach into some dark nether region to pull out their money.

This sign seems like a necessary step for these instances.

“Pregnancy Q&A”

These Q&As start off kind of helpful, but then just throw you for a loop with the punchlines. Sarcasm level: expert. I have to admit, that last answer is technically correct. This advice column has zero chill and I respect it.

“Genius marketing!”

With the AI boom, it seems like everyone is in a rush to replace human jobs with robot jobs — but some jobs just cannot be done by machine learning or by mainframes…yet, at least.

Give it five more years and we’ll see where we’re at.

“Never go for physical therapy at this place ”

Physical therapy is starting to sound like a psychological thriller. This sign reads less like a pep talk and more like a list of friendly threats. Not sure if this place is challenging me or trying to break my spirit. I definitely don’t want to lose count now.

“Slightly extended lifespan”

It’s hard to know just how much additional lifespan you’ll gain by avoiding a smoking area for a few minutes, but it has to be more than zero.

This sign is an inconvenience to some, but a blessing to others.

“This sits right in-between a plant store and a carpentry store ”

Plant addiction? Never heard of her! This sign is giving me just the encouragement I need to buy more greenery. Honestly, it’s not a problem if you have enough shelves, right? Solid logic—time to rearrange the living room again.

“Ice cream…or else!”

This sign really lays bare the choice faced by anyone walking past this ice cream shop.

Of course, it’s an easy choice to go for the ice cream — but even if you do, the cruel world will still await.

“i’m going to go up the stairs”

It’s probably fine, right? What’s the worst that could happen if I go up these mysterious stairs? Love how this turns into a weird urban legend vibe with the warning about the voices. Tempted to check just to see if anything actually happens.

“I love fall, but I get it”

There was a time when fall was associated with autumn leaves and maybe cozy sweaters, but over the past few decades, pumpkin spice has really taken over.

Fall is great and all, but it’s entirely possible to overdo it.

“Good advice for teens”

Parenting advice or gentle roast? I can’t decide, but wow, that sign stings—especially for teens who know it all. I hope at least one kid took this as a genuine challenge and not a personal attack. Well played, parents.

“Deceiving promises ”

Those cats look like they have some serious negotiating tactics. I kind of want to hear what they’re promising people. That sign says it all—never trust a feline. They’re obviously plotting something.

“Instructions unclear.”

This has to be the most dramatic “please don’t park here” sign in existence. Mission definitely accomplished—I’m now afraid to even look at that spot too long. You can feel the escalating panic through the punctuation alone. Forget tickets, this is emotional parking enforcement!