I’m a fan of unintentional humor. I’ve previously listed a number of genuine road signs that demonstrated how easy it is to get things very wrong.
This article follows on from that one, with more unintentional humor and suggestions on how to avoid making the same mistake in your ad.
In two minds
Consider this sign, seen in tailors…
We do not tear your clothing with machinery. We do it carefully by hand.
Yes, it’s funny. But this type of mistake is all too easy to make. The problem is, the author knows exactly what he or she means to say, and doesn’t take the time to consider other possible meanings for the sentence.
You really do need to be in two minds when you’re writing, and then proofing your ad. One mind should focus on what you’re saying, while the other concentrates on what your words actually mean.
Here’s another example to illustrate the point…
No matter what your topcoat is made of, this miracle spray will make it really repellent.
Typos
Take a careful look at this exultation…
Save regularly in our bank. You’ll never reget it.
Did you spot the typo? You’ll never “re get” your money. This is probably not the kind of message a bank wants to send to its customers!
Yet such a typo is incredibly hard to spot. How easily did you find it? How much harder would it have been if you’d written that sentence, given that your mind will automatically take in groups of words and correct them on a subconscious level.
This is why it pays to get someone else to proof-read your ad. Here’s another example, just because…
This is the model home for your future. It was panned by Better Homes and Gardens.
Thinking things through
Thinking things through before you actually sit down and write an ad is a good idea. Here’s what happens when a person doesn’t bother…
Stock up and save! Limit: one
I suspect this advertiser is working his or her way through a list of “power” phrases, and giving little thought to what the words in those phrases actually mean.
Take it from me, an ad isn’t powerful simply because it contains “power” words. An ad is only powerful when it clearly communicates the benefit on offer.
Red face, anybody
Some people find themselves insulted and outraged over things I find amusing, and vice versa. It’s in our nature to make a virtue out of anything we love, and a sin out of the things we don’t.
That’s why it pays to keep a special look out for a double entendre. Here’s an example…
Modular Sofas. Only $299 for rest or fore play.
What would you pay to erase that unintentional “e,” had this been your ad in a highly conservative part of the world?
Mind you, sometimes you have to ask yourself whether or not the humor really was unintended…
Mixing bowl set designed to please a cook with round bottom for efficient beating.
And that’s the problem you face. Your reader doesn’t know whether or not you intended to be humorous. If your unintended humor causes offense, you may well lose several sales.
Going out with a bang
Here are a several more examples of unintended humor for your enjoyment.
Sheer stockings. Designed for fancy dress, but so serviceable that lots of women wear nothing else.
Used Cars: Why go elsewhere to be cheated? Come here first!
Our bikinis are exciting. They are simply the tops!
Tired of cleaning yourself? Let me do it.
Auto Repair Service. Free pickup and delivery. Try us once, you’ll never go anywhere again.
Ladies and gentlemen, now you can have a bikini for a ridiculous figure.
For Rent: 6-room hated apartment.
