Baby Alive and other funny signs

N.B. – This was published in Asian Correspondent (August 25, 10:50 p.m.) where I write a column (Philippine Fantasy).

This sign in front of the Bahay ng Alumni (loose translation: House of Alumni) in the University of the Philippines (UP) in Diliman leads me to one conclusion.

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At UP, we always go Left! We don’t like going Right.

I know, it’s not really funny. But I’m sure you’ll get a chuckle or two after buying this doll.

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Yes, these are changing times indeed. The sign below shows that you can mix numbers and letters and come up with a sign, just 4 U!

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I hope I’m not just speaking for myself when I say that there is something wrong with a sign that sells pasta and…something!

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As regards our next sign, there’s nothing ungrammatical about it. It’s just that the bathroom product has an interesting name.

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I can only hope that the person who uses this does not end up looking like a couch potato!

Anyway, writing about couches reminds me of massage tables. In the Philippines, there are massage parlors that offer services beyond giving a massage. I guess this explains the defensive nature of this sign.

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Let’s take a closer look at the message.

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No need to explain. Just read between the lines!

Our next sign is taken from a tarpaulin which lists some signs of autism. Notice the error in diction?

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Yes, the word “interacting” or “playing” should be used instead of “mixing.”

For our last sign, allow me to give another crash course in diction.

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The word “persons” is a legal concept and refers to those who are natural (like you and me), juridical (like corporations) or both. In other words, persons could be living or non-living. What is a more accurate word to refer to those who are differently abled? People, of course.

More funny signs (and a few more English lessons) next week. Thank you for reading!

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