But when signs veer too far from these norms, chaos ensues. Take signs that lean on caricatures, cultural nods, or artistic flourishes. They might be clever, but they’re easily misread, especially by outsiders.
In recent years, restroom sign talk has grown to cover all genders. Gender-neutral loos are popping up, marked with “All-Gender” signs or simple symbols like a toilet or a figure without gender giveaways.
It’s a step in the right direction for inclusivity, but it can also rattle those used to old-school signs. Spot a loo with an odd or new symbol, and you might pause, unsure if it’s right for you.
Let’s peek at some notorious restroom signs that’ve made people balk:
Overly Artistic Takes
Some loos flaunt abstract art — one shape’s a triangle, the other a circle. Meant to be gender symbols? Not even close to intuitive.
Humorous Flops
Signs with animals, like roosters and hens or bucks and does, seem a hoot at first. But in a rush, working out which animal means what gender? Stressful.
Ambiguous Silhouettes
Minimalist shapes lacking telltale features look near-identical. If the only difference is a hat angle or head tilt, no wonder people are confused.
Cultural/Language Hurdles
Symbols or words tied to local culture can baffle international visitors, leading to mix-ups.