Answer this question truthfully – do you really know how to use quotation marks properly? Because as it turns out – lots of people don’t. Like…at all.
When quotation marks aren’t used properly, they can make the context a bit “off” if you catch our drift.
Regardless, when people don’t use quotation marks properly, the end result can be quite comical. We have 60 examples that will have you scratching your head and giggling to yourself.
1) Well, what is it really, then?
This business is offering a professional “massage.” This is terrifying, people. So, it’s not really a massage? They just call it that? Well, then, what is it? All we know for sure is that it’s professional.
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Memes
2) Do NOT use that
We can’t think of a bigger gross-out moment than seeing this “lotion” sign. We really, really hope that no one falls for this trick. We don’t know what’s really in there but we don’t want to know.
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Memes
3) It’s really a cat
This sign almost takes on a scarier meaning because we’re not entirely sure what to beware of – is it a dog, for real? Or…not? It’s best to just steer clear.
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Tumblr
4) So much to ponder
Okay, people. We have not one set of strange quotation marks – but two. What things are people wanting to put on a stick? But is it really a stick? And can they do it or not?
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Twitter
5) This is how they get ya
Let’s be honest here – this really looks like the worst job ever. That “competitive starting pay” and “flexible hours” they mentioned? Yeah, they didn’t really mean it.
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Imgur
6) Oh, lord.
When quotation marks are misused during the discussion of “meat service,” things get real off-putting, real quick. This sounds like the beginning to a horror movie…or another kind of movie.
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Tumblr
7) Safe enough anyway
Well, at least it’s definitely scenic and easy! Safe? We’re not so sure. Just be sure to wear a life jacket and bring a loud whistle.
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Facebook
8) Is that an insult?
Is this sign saying that women are working there too? Or the men on the job can only loosely be identified by the term “men”? Either way – it’s funny.
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Twitter
9) Is it really, though?
Women who are looking for the women’s restroom would be paused in their tracks with this one. It seems like a trick.
Source:
Know Your Meme
10) There are different hours for partying
These here are the “business” hours. *wink wink* But there are party hours listed on the other side of this board and hosted in the secret back room.
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Imgur
11) Seems sincere
This nice note was printed on a workplace notepad. They really wanted to emphasize the YOU and then not-so-subtley hinted that you definitely don’t matter to them.
Source:
Buzzfeed
12) Not a time to be using quotes
If people are on the way to the emergency room, they want to make sure they’re going to an actual emergency room. With this sign, the “E.R.” makes it sound like it could be some weird strip mall quack’s office.
Source:
Buzzfeed
13) *wink wink*
To pick up your prescription you just need to have a “valid” picture ID. You know…as long as it’s laminated properly, you’re good.
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Buzzfeed
14) So, everyone?
Why use the quotation marks there? And isn’t the first statement enough? It seems like the next one would just be a tautology. Regardless, they’re really excited about letting people know as well.
Source:
Buzzfeed
15) They almost had it
At first, we were jumping for joy because they used the quotation marks correctly around “hi.” But, then…they had to go and throw them around “street” too. Why?!
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Buzzfeed
16) Are they mocking themselves?
We’re not entirely sure why “freedom” was put in quotes here. You can read into that however you want. Either way, doesn’t look real good for the gun store.
Source:
Buzzfeed
17) Or tumble right on down
They put up the sign but it seems like they really don’t mean it. Break a leg if you want to. They don’t care.
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Buzzfeed
18) Just find another bathroom
Can I flush them or not? And are they paper towels or what? This is just confusing me, it’s best to find another bathroom somewhere else.
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Buzzfeed
19) Oddly correct
These quotes are apparently correct. “That’s because the good doctor Everett was delivering a lecture about how sexual assault is not a real issue on college campuses or the nation in general. Read the story on Jezebel,” says Buzzfeed.
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Buzzfeed
20) “Valuable” is subjective, apparently
Just because something is valuable to you, doesn’t mean it’s valuable to anyone else. Or at least that’s what this place of business seems to be implying.
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Buzzfeed
21) Keep driving
If there’s one thing we never want to see in quotes, it’s anything involving seafood – especially sushi. This looks like a night spent in the bathroom if you ask us.
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Buzzfeed
22) Seems so passive aggressive
Basically, they will not be seeing you at the club and not everyone is welcome. Interesting choice of quotation marks Club Ringwood.
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Reddit
23) Oh, really?
It sure seems like “inside pockets” are more than just pockets. Although, we don’t know exactly what. Just be excited that there are four of them.
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Reddit
24) Are we sensing sarcasm here?
He does not need your help. He knows he won’t be re-elected. Don’t expect a finish. Because there really wasn’t anything ever started in the first place.
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Reddit
25) This shouldn’t be joked about
I think it’s kind of important to know if there is going to be an active bullet used or not. In fact, I think the actors involved in this would really like to be sure.
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Reddit
26) Kinda threatening, don’t you think?
Yeah, that new home you bought? It’s totally haunted. Good luck sleeping at night. Suckers.
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Reddit
27) Come on, Donald
The quotation marks in the president’s tweet doesn’t make any sense and it really makes him sound insensitive. He needs a proofreader for his Twitter account.
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Reddit
28) Grammar and punctuation police to the rescue!
The best part about these signs is the fact that both of them stayed up. The first one wasn’t corrected, it just stayed there with the new sign that’s calling it out. Priceless.
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Reddit
29) Is this a code word?
This sketchy sign kind of makes it look like “corn” means drugs, right? The creepy black spraypaint and janky sign posts are a hard no for us.
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Reddit
30) Yeah, okay. Sure we will.
If this place of business has anything to do with preparing food, you should probably go elsewhere. This sign is slightly disturbing.
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Reddit
31) I mean…technically…
Oh, Mr. Pence. We don’t know if he totally missed the mark on this one or was spot on. The NASA hardware clearly says do not touch but, it’s in quotes, so…game on?
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Reddit
32) We hope so anyway
Burger King will take your donations. Where they’re going? We’re not entirely sure but hopefully it really is to charities in your local community.
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Reddit
33) Mom, don’t listen.
Creep factor is at a ten with this bizarre roadside sign. Who is this strange face painter waiting off the freeway? Or is it face painting at all? Just keep driving.
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Reddit
34) Don’t trust it
Why would you put “sober” in quotes if you’re promoting what looks like a designated-driving service? Do they not count pain pills or something? Sounds a bit sketchy to us.
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Reddit
35) Do you though?
We just want to know what they “actually” do to the Hondas. Because “fixing” them seems a bit wishy-washy. At least it’s affordable?
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Reddit
36) Or whoever that lady is!
We’re assuming they meant you could give the card to anyone who you consider to be a mom but the way it first comes across is kind of comical.
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Reddit
37) That’s a no from me, dog.
Considering the fact that they went out of their way to put fresh inside quotation marks makes us feel that the meat is quite the opposite.
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Reddit
38) Is this a direct quote?
It looks like they meant to put the “DO NOT DRILL HERE” in either bold or italics. Because right now it looks like a direct quote from the electric cables.
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Reddit
39) “So” “Many” “Questions”
What is happening here?! So many unnecessary quotation marks it’s just silly. What exactly were they trying to get across here?
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Reddit
40) Huh?
First off, who wants to make or eat a square egg? The product is so strange that we’re really not that thrown off about the odd quotation marks at all.
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Reddit
41) That’s a whole lotta “yikes” right there
The fact that there isn’t the name of the actual church listed on the van is a giant red flag. Although, the white van with “Church Van” in quotes is basically one big driving red flag.
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Reddit
42) Kinda fast anyway
Here’s another sign that prompts a lot of questions. Why is this person buying so many horses? They’ve literally bought every horse they’ve ever seen?! And why the heck is “fast cash” in quotes?
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Reddit
43) What on earth is happening here?
It looks like the shift and quotation button keys were stuck or something when this person was typing up this sign. It’s just out of control.
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Reddit
44) Sorry, what?
It appears that there might be an English barrier happening here maybe? At least we hope so because otherwise…we’re seriously confused.
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Reddit
45) Burn
A couple opened up a card from a family member after their wedding and found this little jab of a note inside. At least it appears they mean it about the best wishes.
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Reddit
46) Seems legit
I don’t know about you but this looks like one of the shadiest real estate deals ever. By “buy” they probably mean rob and by “vacant” they mean while you’re on vacation.
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Reddit
47) They loved it
Yes, the waitress had an absolutely pleasure taking that order of your egg white muffin. It was just thrilling. In fact, it made their day.
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Reddit
48) I’m “good” I’ll “pass”
Whether it’s “hot” or “food,” we’ll never know! And that’s because we’re just going to walk right on by this weird hot food case.
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Imgur
49) So weird
There is no reason why “turn off” and “Wi-Fi” should be in quotation marks. And what the heck is that cartoon character all about at the bottom?
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Reddit
50) Anyone can though
The cord is technically for patients only, but with the quotation marks on the sign, they hospital is hinting that anyone can pull for assistance. Just in case.
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Reddit
51) Get it together, Sandy
Sandy doesn’t know how to use quotation marks. We know that much for sure. She seems to have chosen the most random words in the email and just threw them in there.
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Reddit
52) Some call it that anyway
Hey, maybe it’s really “great,” you never know. At least it’s not bad? Or is it? Why the quotes, damn it?!
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Reddit
53) Again…it’s subjective.
Just because a sign says they’re the best in town, doesn’t really mean they’re the best. All they need to do is throw “best” in some quotes and they’re good to go.
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Reddit
54) Oh good
That’s perfect because I needed some for my “printer” at home. We’re just curious as to the thought process that went around putting the quotes on this word.
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Reddit
55) It’s pretty lax though
Any ID will work though. Library card? Cool. Old middle school ID? I’ll take it. They just want to check anything that is in your wallet really.
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Reddit
56) Who made these signs?
We’re not sure what’s worse exactly. The terrible use of quotation marks or the terrible PLSSSS typed out on each one. Someone needs to be fired.
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Reddit
57) Oh my.
“Horses” are for sale in this ad and we are thoroughly creeped out. I mean, just look at that photo. We’re not exactly sure what you’d find once you arrived.
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Reddit
58) No thanks
The stew is not delicious and the holidays aren’t happy at this restaurant. Do not be fooled.
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Reddit
59) What?
Why would anyone even think this needed quotes? It makes absolutely zero sense. It doesn’t even emphasize anything. We’re getting dumber as we’re reading these.
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Reddit
60) Concerning or no?
Would you be concerned if the cabin you were staying at had “welcome” in quotation marks? We’re not exactly sure what they meant by that.
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Reddit
So, what we’ve gathered here is that people really need to go back to English class and figure out how to use proper punctuation.
H/T: Reddit