911. FUNNY ENGLISH SIGNS 🪧 Explained (Part 2)
Luke's ENGLISH Podcast - Learn British English with Luke Thompson
Deep Dive
Why is the sign 'This hotel is renowned for its peace and solitude. In fact, crowds from all over the world flock here to enjoy its solitude' considered funny?
The sign is funny because it contains a contradiction. While the hotel claims to be renowned for its peace and solitude, it then states that crowds from all over the world flock there, which is the opposite of solitude.
What is the issue with the sign 'You are invited to take advantage of the chambermaid' in a hotel bedroom in Japan?
The sign is problematic because 'take advantage of the chambermaid' has a double meaning. It can imply using the chambermaid's services, but it can also suggest sexually assaulting her, which is highly inappropriate and offensive.
Why is the sign 'The lift is being fixed for the next day. During that time, we regret that you will be unbearable' in a hotel lobby in Bucharest considered funny?
The sign is funny because 'unbearable' suggests that the guests will become extremely annoying or intolerable during the lift repair, rather than the lift being inoperable. It implies that the guests will be so unbearable that they will make the situation worse.
What is the issue with the sign 'For your convenience, we recommend courteous, efficient self-service' in a supermarket in Hong Kong?
The sign is misleading because it suggests that the other service option (using sales assistants) will be rude and inefficient, which is not a fair or accurate representation. It implies that the self-service is the only polite and efficient option.
Why is the sign 'You are welcome to visit the cemetery where famous Russian and Soviet composers, artists and writers are buried daily except Thursday' in a hotel in Moscow considered funny?
The sign is funny because it suggests that famous Russian and Soviet composers, artists, and writers are buried daily in the cemetery, except on Thursday. It implies a high frequency of burials, which is absurd and misleading.
What is the issue with the newspaper headline 'A new swimming pool is rapidly taking shape since the contractors have thrown in the bulk of their workers'?
The headline is ambiguous because it suggests that the contractors have physically thrown their workers into the swimming pool, rather than having them work on the construction project. It implies a dangerous and unrealistic scenario.
Why is the sign 'Because of the impropriety of entertaining guests of the opposite sex in the bedroom, it is suggested that the lobby be used' in a hotel in Zurich considered funny?
The sign is funny because it suggests that the lobby is the appropriate place for entertaining guests of the opposite sex, which could be interpreted as a public and inappropriate setting for such activities. It implies a strange and possibly suggestive hotel policy.
What is the issue with the sign 'Ladies, leave your clothes here and spend the afternoon having a good time' in a laundrette in Rome?
The sign is funny because it suggests that ladies should strip off their clothes and spend the afternoon naked, rather than leaving their laundry to be cleaned. It implies a suggestive and inappropriate message.
Why is the sign 'Would you like to ride on your own ass' in an advertisement for donkey rides in Thailand considered funny?
The sign is funny because 'ass' has a double meaning. It can refer to a donkey, but it also means a person's buttocks. The sign implies that customers can ride on their own buttocks, which is an absurd and offensive suggestion.
What is the issue with the sign 'If this is your first visit to the USSR, you're welcome to it' in a hotel bedroom in Moscow?
The sign is funny because 'you're welcome to it' implies that the visitor can have the USSR if they want it, suggesting that the country is unwanted. It is an inappropriate and misleading way to welcome visitors.
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