Most advertisements in the classified section will leave you glassy-eyed and bored, but every once in awhile you’ll find a gem in the rough and encounter a post that has you laughing ’till you cry, especially now that people can list things for free on websites like eBay. Let’s take a walk through history and look at some of the funniest classified ads of all times.
Grab Your Hula-Hoop and Let’s do Yard Work
WANTED – Someone to do yard work. Must have hoolahoop.
Posted: 1990s
Hula-hoops are fun children’s toys that can give you hours of entertainment, so it can be hard to imagine how a hula-hoop can help with yard work. Maybe the advertiser was looking for someone to join in the latest exercise craze with and hula-hoop the weight off, or maybe they have a young child who needed to be entertained while the yard work was being completed?
Hungry Dog Looking for Home
FOR SALE – Dog eats everything and is especially fond of children.
Posted: Several times from 1970-2000
Some pet owners don’t think before they get into things and purchase a dog without realizing how much they truly can eat. This leads to many frustrated pet owners placing numerous classified ads in the paper looking for people to take their dog off their hands. However, most don’t think before they type. With so many ads of this nature placed throughout the years, either there is an increase in human-eating dogs, or this poor pup is wrongly accused due to a frustrated pet owner who is in over his head.
Everyone Needs Limo Service
WANTED – Limo driver needed for overnight transport of drunk and drugged up clients.
Posted: 2000
After a night of partying at the local club or drug house, the last thing someone is thinking of is how they will get home. This classified ad shows that even suppliers of the drugs and alcohol will help their clients find their way back home safe and sound. However, it does make you wonder what type of tip the driver is going to receive. Instead of posting a classified ad, these people would probably be better browsing online for limo service reviews.
Really We’re Referring to the Desk
FOR SALE – Antique desk suitable for lady with thick legs and large drawers
Posted: 1980-2000
Some classified ads are the equivalent of sticking your foot in your mouth. This antique desk ad is proof of that. While the desk might be a lovely addition to a lady’s sitting room or office, offending the potential buyer by pointing out the need for thick legs and drawers will hardly get the desk sold. It’s amazing what a simple misplaced modifier can do to the meaning of a sentence!
Conclusion: Classified Ads a Sign of the Times
Classified ads are really a sign of the times and can paint a picture of what Americans were selling, doing and looking for during that time period. For example, in the 1770s people were looking for cows, but jump forward 300 years and they’re looking for limo drivers for drunk and drugged up clients.
Despite the obvious historical element, a hastily written ad or mistyped phrase in a classified ad can turn one into a timeless classic that will leave people laughing for years to come.
