I've heard of a greengrocers' apostrophe..

[palinurus]

but what's this called?

Seen on the ride today:

Hand
"car"
wash

 

[Trillian]

dunno, presume it's to highlight that they're not adverse to washing a van etc.

always bemused by the hand car washes using hosepipes.

 

[palinurus]

Maybe it's really clever, and I just don't get it.

 

[palinurus]

dunno, presume it's to highlight that they're not adverse to washing a van etc.

Damn, that's a sensible answer.

 

[Eat MY Dust]

You should try taking your bike in.

 

[palinurus]

I would've done, only it was 5:50 am when I saw it.

I've been lazing around so much lately I couldn't sleep. Went riding instead, then slept after.

 

[alecstilleyedye]

strictly speaking, it would imply that they wash things that are claiming to be cars, but which in reality aren't (for, by example, people who take their bike in and say "it's a car, will you wash it?").

 

[yello]

I agree with the above interpretation. They're quotes rather than apostrophes which is, strictly speaking, incorrect since they're not actually quoting anyone but so as not to be anal and to consider what is likely to be meant, I'd say alecs... is about right. They'll wash whatever someone says is a car.

 

[Over The Hill]

I think it is called Scare Quotes in this context. Where you put doubt in the word you use by quoting it rather than saying it.

 

[longers]

A bit like the imaginary ones people draw with their fingers in conversation?

 

[alecstilleyedye]

A bit like the imaginary ones people draw with their fingers in conversation?

spot on

 

[Keith Oates]

I think it means cars only so all other vehicles can look elsewhere!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[alecstilleyedye]

it could mean that they're a bit snooty and only consider posh cars as worthy, but will wash your so-called car anyway, seeing as it's business.

 

[gavintc]

a commune of greengrocers have opened a shop

 

[Rhythm Thief]

I agree with the above interpretation. They're quotes rather than apostrophes which is, strictly speaking, incorrect since they're not actually quoting anyone but so as not to be anal and to consider what is likely to be meant, I'd say alecs... is about right. They'll wash whatever someone says is a car.

Or more likely, they think that quote marks are for emphasising things, a bit like underlining. Cos they're dim.