Caution: Funny Signs Ahead

Lists: Doug Lansky picks his favorite photos from a new "Signspotting" book

12.22.09 | 11:48 AM ET

The English language has passed the 1 million-word mark, but before we get carried away with just how rich our language has become, let’s take a look at some nuggets of miscommunication getting left by the side of the road.

You may be familiar with the funny signs from around the world captured in my books, “Signspotting” 1 and 2—some of them were featured in a World Hum audio slideshow. Herewith, some of my favorites from the most recent collection, Signspotting 3.

Mertola, Portugal. Photo by Sarah Eriksen.

Caution: It’s raining men.

Norfolk, England. Photo by Tim Bentinck.

British Telecom has a wicked sense of humor.

Nairobi, Kenya. Photo by Tom Harm.

Finally, a restaurant that combines the famous taste of railway cuisine with the practicality of a stomach clinic.

Chiang Mai, Thailand. Photo by Adrian Liston.

Pre-internet chat room.

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Doug Lansky is editor of TitanicAwards.com and the book The Titanic Awards, as well as Signspotting.com and the book series "Signspotting."


5 Comments for Caution: Funny Signs Ahead

Jennifer Goetz 12.23.09 | 12:53 AM ET

These are hilarious.  I always love seeing these.

Wendy 12.23.09 | 1:56 AM ET

I like the first picture,it’s fnny.

pam 12.23.09 | 7:52 PM ET

Monk chat! Please let that be a public access TV show, soon!

Claudine 12.24.09 | 6:39 AM ET

The stomach clinic pic was super-funny!

Tim Patterson 12.27.09 | 7:25 PM ET

I love the monk chat pic!  Is that in Vientiane?

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