Outrage Alert: 9 Unhinged Sign Offs That Will Make Your Blood Pressure Soar

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Post on Mar 17, 2025

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Outrage Alert: 9 Unhinged Sign-Offs That Will Make Your Blood Pressure Soar

We've all been there. You're carefully crafting a professional email, pouring your heart and soul into a perfectly worded message, only to be met with a sign-off so jarring, so utterly tone-deaf, it sends your blood pressure skyrocketing. Forget passive-aggressive replies; these sign-offs are nuclear-level communication fails. Prepare yourself for a journey into the bizarre world of email etiquette gone horribly wrong. These nine unhinged sign-offs are guaranteed to make your blood boil.

1. "XOXO" in a Professional Context

Let's be clear: "XOXO" belongs in personal messages, not business communications. Unless you're emailing a close friend or family member, this saccharine sign-off is wildly inappropriate and screams unprofessionalism. It instantly undermines any credibility you may have established in the email's body. Save the kisses for your loved ones.

2. "Later, Gator!" or Other Informal Slang

Similar to "XOXO," overly casual slang has no place in professional emails. Phrases like "Later, gator!" "Peace out," or "Talk soon, dude" are jarringly informal and project a lack of seriousness. Maintaining a professional tone is crucial for building trust and respect, and this kind of sign-off utterly sabotages that goal.

3. "Best," Followed by an Emoji

The "Best" sign-off, while generally acceptable, takes a nosedive into absurdity when paired with an emoji. This bizarre combination creates a jarring clash of formal and informal tones. It undermines the professional image you're trying to project and leaves the recipient wondering if they've accidentally stumbled into a teenager's inbox.

4. Overly Long or Pompous Sign-Offs

Imagine receiving an email concluded with something like, "With utmost sincerity and unwavering dedication to excellence, I remain yours in service." Overly formal and lengthy sign-offs are just as off-putting as their overly casual counterparts. Simplicity is key; aim for clear, concise, and professional.

5. Sign-offs that Misrepresent Your Position

Signing off as "CEO" when you're a junior employee is not only misleading but also deeply unprofessional. Similarly, exaggerating your title or responsibilities is a surefire way to damage your credibility and professional reputation. Always use your accurate job title.

6. No Sign-Off at All

Believe it or not, omitting a sign-off altogether can be just as jarring as a wildly inappropriate one. It leaves the recipient feeling dismissed and undervalued. A simple and professional sign-off demonstrates respect for their time and the communication exchanged.

7. The "Sent from my iPhone" Sign-Off (Overuse)

While including "Sent from my iPhone" or a similar line is often automatically added, consistently overusing it for every email projects a lack of professionalism. This subtle detail subtly implies you might be lacking access to a proper computer and could impact how seriously your correspondence is taken.

8. Sign-offs that Contradict the Email's Tone

Imagine a stern, formal email demanding action concluded with "Have a great day!" This discrepancy creates cognitive dissonance and feels insincere. Always ensure your sign-off matches the overall tone of your communication.

9. Using Your Full Name When it's Unnecessary

While using your full name in formal communications is often acceptable, using it in every email, even casual ones among colleagues, can seem stiff and unnecessary. Context matters; determine whether a full name or simply your first name is suitable.

What are some other sign-offs that drive you crazy? Share your experiences in the comments below!

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