Wow. The comma is the only punctuation on this sign that makes any sense. Without the parentheses, it could be a really lame bathroom slogan, I guess. With them, it's just crazy. Good catch, Clare.
Wow, aside from the complete lack of reason for the quotes or parentheses, who in the world thought it was a good idea to put the closing quote inside the closing parenthesis? That doesn't make sense even if you accepted quotes and parentheses as viable means to express emphasis (which, you know, they really aren't).
It makes it seem less of a polite notice. This probably isn't particularly tasteful being as the lady in question is no longer with us, but my nan always used to write "Happy Birthday" on my cards. It came across as almost rude - "uh, yeah, well, "happy birthday", like I care". (Can you actually put quotation marks inside of quotation marks?)
I wish I knew where this was--what kind of bathroom, what country, etc. It's funny, but not quite as funny if it's just from China or some other place where the author simply didn't understand English & punctuation very well.
Hayley: Single quotes should be used for quotations within (double) quotes.
Ron & Jessica: No, it's not spelled wrong. It should be "minimise". Unfortunately, most all Americans don't know how to spell at all and get it wrong. The sign was probably written by someone who learned proper (British) English.
Yet we wonder why the Japanese and basically every other country in the world is beating our pants off when it comes to education. Clearly the ignorance level in our country is climbing ever higher....unbelievable!!
Fazil, I see you are studying in an english speaking country. Just FYI, "odd" is not a harsh term. But I do believe this sign was found in the US. Not positive.
Just a quick note to confirm (or refute) various suppositions: this notice was found in the UK, in an environment where the perpetrators have no reasonable excuse.
Wow. The comma is the only punctuation on this sign that makes any sense. Without the parentheses, it could be a really lame bathroom slogan, I guess. With them, it's just crazy. Good catch, Clare.
Wow, aside from the complete lack of reason for the quotes or parentheses, who in the world thought it was a good idea to put the closing quote inside the closing parenthesis? That doesn't make sense even if you accepted quotes and parentheses as viable means to express emphasis (which, you know, they really aren't).
ReplyDeleteWhat a great blog!
ReplyDeleteI really have a lot of fun!
Best!
It makes it seem less of a polite notice. This probably isn't particularly tasteful being as the lady in question is no longer with us, but my nan always used to write "Happy Birthday" on my cards. It came across as almost rude - "uh, yeah, well, "happy birthday", like I care". (Can you actually put quotation marks inside of quotation marks?)
ReplyDeleteyou made blogger buzz, congrats, great blog, added "your blog" to myne....
ReplyDeletesandwiches rule!
I am really surprised. How the best idea you make this blog with title "unnecessary" quotation marks! he he
ReplyDeleteGood luck.
So wrong it's right!
ReplyDeleteThat sign totally reminds me of a song with one of those overly-long parenthetical titles:
ReplyDeleteDirty Deeds (Done Dirt Cheap)
Bang A Gong (Get It On)
Rocket Man (I Think It's Going To Be A Long Long Time)
Maybe it IS one of those songs!! Would explain the quotes (maybe)
ReplyDeleteDidn't they also spell Minimize wrong?
ReplyDeleteI wish I knew where this was--what kind of bathroom, what country, etc. It's funny, but not quite as funny if it's just from China or some other place where the author simply didn't understand English & punctuation very well.
ReplyDeleteHayley: Single quotes should be used for quotations within (double) quotes.
Ron & Jessica: No, it's not spelled wrong. It should be "minimise". Unfortunately, most all Americans don't know how to spell at all and get it wrong. The sign was probably written by someone who learned proper (British) English.
^
ReplyDeleteit's actually just the British spelling, not that Americans are wrong. There's a difference.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteYet we wonder why the Japanese and basically every other country in the world is beating our pants off when it comes to education. Clearly the ignorance level in our country is climbing ever higher....unbelievable!!
ReplyDeleteGreat Blog!!!
LRS
: )
These are really funny! It sure is fun to read these.
ReplyDeletedon't tell me it's from an English spoken country.. it's an absolutely odd mistakes. sorry if my words are harsh.
ReplyDeleteFazil, I see you are studying in an english speaking country. Just FYI, "odd" is not a harsh term. But I do believe this sign was found in the US. Not positive.
ReplyDeletepretty amazing. i keep getting distracted by this site. i should be studying! thanks for the fun photos!
ReplyDeleteEeek ... I can hardly even read this sign with all the crazy, senseless punctuation! I love checking out your site; it makes me smile every time :)
ReplyDeletei hv one for this guy
ReplyDelete"In order to stop people frm having cardiac arrests"
(please remove ur sign before anybody who takes a dump reads this)
very confusing. and somehow, it's sadly funny.
ReplyDeleteJust a quick note to confirm (or refute) various suppositions: this notice was found in the UK, in an environment where the perpetrators have no reasonable excuse.
ReplyDeleteClare