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The Write Stuff May 2020 Volume 16 Issue 5

Funny Spelling Errors

Failing to catch typos in business materials can have dire consequences  — embarrassment, loss of credibility or more — but sometimes you just have to laugh at mistakes that somehow slipped through the cracks. Since you may need a laugh as the coronavirus crisis continues, here you go.

  • A McDonald’s sign proclaimed, “Over 10 Billion Severed” — the right word: served
  • A sign adjacent to a freeway construction site read, “Thank You For Your Patients” — the right word: patience
  • A banner at a store noted its “Grand Opining” — the right word: opening
  • An ad from a bakery highlighted “Mouse Filled Party Cakes” — the right word: mousse-filled
  • A roadside sign read, “Ho Made Apple Butter” — the right word: homemade
  • A handwritten sign instructed, “If door doesn’t close properly, giggle the doorknob” — the right word: jiggle
  • A gigantic banner suggested, “Order Your Super Bowel Party Platters” — the right word: bowl
  • A billboard invited people to learn the “15 best things about our pubic schools” — the right word: public (Even worse, pubic schools was bolder and larger than the rest of the words.)
  • A sign on a chain link fence noted, “Illegally Parked Cars Will Be Fine” — the right word: fined
  • A grocery store sign adjacent to bagels recommended, “Please Use Tongue or Tissue Paper When Making Your Selection” — the right word: tongs
  • A grocery store circular offered “Porn & Beans” at a great price — the right word: pork
  • A parking lot sign admonished, “PRIVATE/Customer Parking Only/All Others Will Be Toad — the right word: towed
  • A sign created by an amateur graphic designer noted, “NO SMOKING ALOUD” — the right word: allowed

What’s to be learned from this? It’s always a good idea to have another person — or maybe a group of people — review your writing efforts, so you don’t end up on a list like this one.

Need to Pivot

Social distancing has certainly thrown a wrench into “business as usual,” but many people are rising to the challenge and thriving. I was worried about one of my clients, since her model focuses on face-to-face interactions — but I learned this week she has smartly pivoted to providing new services online and is doing well. Here’s to innovation and diligence triumphing over throwing in the towel.

Yay, Jenna!

When I started this newsletter, my niece Jenna was just five years old. This month, she graduated from Michigan State University with a BA in marketing and international business. Since her graduation was virtual, I figured I’d use this space to send her a little love from her Aunt Adrienne. And, if you happen to know a Chicago-area organization looking for a real go-getter, give me a shout.

Published On: May 14th, 2020 / Categories: 2020 /