Who said that street signs need to be serious in order to be functional? Well, the authorities of these towns and cities around the world certainly threw out the rule book when it came to naming their roads! From 'lost in translation' mix-ups to historic passageways that probably should have been renamed, these amusing signs are sure to make you laugh out loud.
You may be wondering, "What's so amusing about street names?" after reading the title. You are correct, too. The majority of the time, everything is fairly simple. A street name is merely a component of your address and is typically called for a notable person from history or a significant place in the world. Occasionally, it is also named for an occurrence, such as the declaration of independence or the founding of the first republic.But occasionally, things go awry, and we get some very bizarre addresses. It goes without saying that the "lost in translation" problem contributes to some misunderstandings. What sounds funny to a stranger in the local language may be a totally serious, or even dull street name. But that only tells a portion of the story.
Let’s take a road trip and discover the funniest (and rudest) places in the world…
#1 Crotch Crescent
Source:
#2 This, That & The Other Street, Nova Scotia, Canada
Source: Alexandr Gray / Shutterstock
We can't help but think the authorities in Halifax, Nova Scotia, gave up a little when they were naming their streets. The city is known for many things, from its beautiful scenery to its abundance of outdoor activities, but Halifax has also become famous for its rather ridiculous signage. As well as The Other Street and This Street, the city also boasts a That Street and a Little Jessus Lane. If that doesn't make you smile, we don't know what will!
#3 Grope Lane, Shropshire, UK
Source: Roland Turner / Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Grope Lane can be found in the quaint English town of Shrewsbury. Known for its historic Tudor centre and red-brick medieval castle, the town also happens to boast a few hilarious street names, including Grope Lane. Some say that the passageway was once a red light district, where ladies of the night would wait for gentlemen callers. Not the only funny street in the county, Shropshire is also home to Bogey Lane, Butts Road and Ice House Close.
#4 Fabulous Texan Way, Arizona, USA
Source: LGJ9201 / Shutterstock
Located in Sedona, Arizona, is one of the state's best-named streets, Fabulous Texan Way. Yet this isn't the only humourous place name in the city. Fabulous Texan Way happens to be close by to Gun Fury Road, Coffee Cup Drive, and Pony Solider Road. We think that whoever was in charge of street names in Sedona at the time, decided to have a little fun while on the job...
#5 Ha-Ha Road, London, UK
Source: Instagram / @nameplatesandconstruction
This road in Greenwich, London, is sure to tickle your fancy. The story behind the street name is sadly not as humourous as you might think, however. A Ha-Ha is just another word for a sunken ditch, although it's still unclear whether the phrase was taken from the noise a person made when falling, or from those watching as someone tripped up.
#6 Man Fuk Road, Hong Kong
Source: shankar s. / Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Often, street names can be amusing due to something being lost in translation, as this road sign in central Hong Kong shows. Located in the Ho Man Tin neighbourhood of the city, this amusing road is ironically located near the Ladies Market...
#7 Mad Dog Lane, Yorkshire, UK
Source: Instagram / @cnocnavie
This road has a bit of an off-putting name. Located in the county of Yorkshire, UK, in a town called Hook, Mad Dog Lane doesn't exactly feel welcoming. We can’t help but wonder what might have happened on this street, in order for it to have been given such an unusual moniker...
#8 Boring, Oregon, USA
Source: Andy Nystrom / Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Nothing to see here, move on! At least the residents of Boring have a sense of humour though, as captured in the sign by Flickr user Andy Nystrom, seeking out another hilarously obscure place to join forces with by pairing with Dull in Scotland.
#9 Bad Route Road, Montana, USA
Source: Robert Ashworth / Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
If you find yourself driving through Montana, USA, you may stumble upon Bad Route Road. While the street name doesn't exactly fill us with confidence, it might not be quite as ominous as it initially appears. In fact, the street is most likely named after Bad Route Creek, an idyllic offshoot of the Yellowstone River, which runs through the state. Having said that, Bad Route Road was the scene of a still unsolved crime back in 1987, when the body of a road tripper was found at a rest stop.
#10 Smellies Lane, Dundee, UK
Source: Wikimedia Commons / Captzimmo
Smellies Lane is one of several other Scottish streets to make the cut. The road can be found in the picturesque coastal city of Dundee, and rest assured, there's nothing to indicate the area has an odour that lives up to the name.
#11 Butt Street, Pennsylvania, USA
Source: Instagram / @jim_peggie
America definitely has its fair share of ridiculous and hilarious street names. This gem can be found in the Columbia County of Benton, Pennsylvania. Imagine giving this as your address!
#12 Break-Me-Neck Hill, Tasmania, Australia
Source: Wikimedia Commons / Jakec
Australia’s English street and place names tend to be fairly modern, since Westerners renamed many of the areas populated by the Aboriginal people during the 1800s. Some of them happen to be a bit on the nose, however, much like this one in Tasmania. Rather cleverly, the sign warns drivers (and walkers), to watch out ahead.