Funny and Effective Signs – This is not one of SignForce’s clients
Funny Signs: South Africa’s Subtle (and Not-So-Subtle) Sense of Humor
Business signage is meant to be serious – signage tells us where to go, what to do, and sometimes what not to do. But, in true South African style, even the most mundane instructions often come with a dose of unintentional humor or sharp wit. From the rugby field to the pothole-ridden streets, let’s explore some signs that show even serious business can have a laugh at itself.
Rugby Signs: Tackling Humor Head-On
South Africans love rugby – almost as much as we love a good laugh which seems to be evident in how South African’s handle difficult situations, often with DARK humor. Some rugby stadium signs have become legends themselves.
Take, for instance, a field-side sign that proudly proclaimed, “You tackle like your mother bakes rusks – soft and crumbly!” That’s the kind of motivational signage we can all get behind, whether you’re on the field or cheering from the stands.
Then there’s the classic pub sign seen near match days: “Happy hour during the second half – unless we’re losing!” Because even in rugby, humor is the best way to soothe a bruised ego.
Crime and Pun-ishment
South Africans are nothing if not resourceful, even when poking fun at crime. A car wash in Joburg put up a banner that read, “Your car is safe here. We’ve already stolen the radios!” It’s self-aware marketing at its finest – and effective, possibly not so surprisingly because as the saying goes, there is no such thing as bad publicity.
And who can forget those tongue-in-cheek neighborhood watch signs that state: “Trespassers will be shot. Survivors will be shot again, and if they are still alive, they will be prosecuted!” While the humor is dark, it’s undeniably South African in its blunt delivery.
Political Commentary in Neon and Paint
Politics and humor go hand-in-hand, especially in a country as lively as ours. A local takeaway in Cape Town famously posted a sign reading: “Our chicken is grilled, not flip-flopped!” Clearly a jab at the indecisiveness often associated with politicians and their tendency to change parties – and opinions – in order to fit their own personal agenda’s.
Another gem outside a rural shop: “More reliable than Eskom since 1994.” In a land of load-shedding schedules and backup generators, this kind of honesty not only sells but also resonates deeply and allows potential clients to see that the person behind the sign has a sense of humor while relating to the difficulties the prospect may be going through. These signs create camaraderie.
Business Blooper Signs: Accidental Marketing Masters
Sometimes, the funniest signs are the ones that weren’t meant to be funny.
Like a shop that boldly displayed: “We sell secondhand coffins – hardly used!” It might not have been their intention to raise eyebrows, but they certainly got attention.
Or the iconic petrol station sign that read: “We don’t sell petrol. We sell hope. And a Coke.” Whether you’re running on empty or just tired of life’s potholes, that’s the kind of humor that keeps you going.
The Universal Language of Potholes
Speaking of potholes, South Africans have a unique relationship with road hazards, and the signs prove it. A local municipality once posted a warning: “Caution: Potholes ahead. Adjust suspension, not your speed.”
And then there are the unofficial signs, often put up by frustrated residents: “This is not a pothole. It’s an Olympic swimming pool for frogs.” and my personal favorite “Our municipality is so considerate they helped us create safe pools along the road” (with the picture of a man sipping his drink while being submersed in his pothole). Sometimes a little sarcasm goes a long way when nothing else seems to work.
Serious Business, but Funny Too
Signs may serve an important purpose, but just as a business sign reflects the branding and nature of your business, so to can signs be a reflection of our national spirit. In South Africa, where rugby binds us, crime challenges us, and politics entertains us instead of serving us, even the most serious signage can make us laugh.
So next time you see a sign that makes you chuckle, don’t just read it – take a photo, share it, and remember: life’s too short not to see the humor in our everyday surroundings. As one braai-side sign famously declared: “Vegetarian options available: pork, beef, chicken. You’re welcome.”
For signs that work and reflect a little of you and your business contact SignForce now on info@signforce.co.za or call +27 (0)11 440 7525 or WhatsApp +27 (0)82 558 6413
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