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No matter what level of comedian we think we are, it so happens that our brains occasionally freeze, making us completely oblivious to humor. For some, these unfortunate moments of weakness happen online, where they remain forever for everyone to see. 

However, finding the bright side of it is better than trying to outlive the dread of making a silly mistake on the Internet. That’s where the r/woooosh subreddit comes in, nobly sharing missed jokes for anyone who needs a humorous pick-me-up. Check out the best they have to offer down below and don’t forget to upvote your favorites.

While you’re busy laughing and cringing at the same time, don’t forget to check out a conversation with business humorist, author, podcaster, and multi-TEDx speaker Lisa David Olson, as well as NY Times bestselling humorist, New Yorker cartoonist, and editor of the humor newsletter Bob Eckstein, who agreed to tell us why some people miss the joke.

#1

How Dense The Population Is

How Dense The Population Is

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Eckstein tells Bored Panda “Nowadays, with so many avenues of media, so many TV channels, so many different shows and podcasts, and interests, someone can miss the reference being used in a joke easier than ever.”

He explains that our worlds have never been more different. Someone on the other side of the planet might curate a list of the most famous people in the world, and it’s possible he wouldn’t know any of them, and vice versa. 

“We used to say humor is universal. That portion of comedy that everyone can understand and relate to is shrinking,” he adds.

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#5

Core-Ean

Core-Ean

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Surenu
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually, I have some data that could answer this. It's only a single data point, but that's better than zero. So my former roommate would, for some reason, loudly converse on his phone while in the bathroom or shower, and given the paper thin walls here I know he conversed in Polish. Combined with the insane temperatures he set every thermostat he saw to, we can conclude that in the molten core of the Earth, they speak loud Polish

Cherrie
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love how he repeated the punchline.....has a real dismissive eyeroll feeling about it. Perfect

similarly
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

However, my answer to this: "life as we know it" can only exist in a VERY narrow range of places right here on Earth. "life as we don't know it" could exist anywhere: the bottom of the ocean, the moons of Jupiter, the surface of the sun ... or the core of the Earth. There could be forms of life so different to everything we know that, if we encountered them, we might not even realize we had encountered life at all.

Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

so the centre of the earth is actually called corea....

Lotekguy
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Humorless is still a step above denying the existence of a core because the Earth is flat.

MalibuClassicMan
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

so educated to know the exact temp of earths core but dense as H*LL otherwise.

Bike Angel
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't let the Chinese hear that, they'll be disappointed. China, in Chinese, literally means the center (middle) kingdom.

TheRealFrappuchinoTheHedgehogr
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

WTF IS A ‘CELCIUS’🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Larry Smith
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6 months ago

This comment has been deleted.

Riley Quinn
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a joke Unicornsneedlovetoo, a necessary break from reality, but nooooo, you had to stick your science facts in.

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Meanwhile, Olson suggests that sarcasm may be one of the culprits behind a joke going over people’s heads. In fact, she tells us that it’s “the main essence of humor.” 

While trying to understand witticism, she says that education levels matter as well. And if you have to add “you had to be there,” chances are that your joke is not going to resonate with your audience.

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#9

Nothing Starts With "N" And Ends With "G"

Nothing Starts With "N" And Ends With "G"

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On the other hand, Olson mentions that self-deprecating humor tends to be the one people find the easiest to understand. She illustrates this with an example: ‘I’m a hardworking person. Everything becomes harder when I’m working on it. I made a pallet last week from an old coffee table.’

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She adds, “Gently teasing yourself ensures others can’t be the first to make fun of you and shows, ‘Hey! I’m a joke-making machine!’”

#10

The Bad Doctor

The Bad Doctor

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In his work, Eckstein occasionally tries to eliminate any language barriers that can interfere with humor by creating cartoons with no captions. “There are certainly also age barriers," he adds. "This cartoon enclosed may be relatable only to those of a certain age group, but for many, it is all too relatable.”

#13

Right Over The Head Of An Anti-Vaxxer

Right Over The Head Of An Anti-Vaxxer

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🇳🇬 Asi Bassey 🇳🇬
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He certainly knows, and he’s been trying for years to tell it to you and all those like you who peddle ridiculousness.

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#14

Definitely The Bird Hitching A Ride

Definitely The Bird Hitching A Ride

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We were also curious to know if it’s possible to improve one’s understanding of humor. Olsen says it can be difficult. “Sarcasm is a tough area for many. Especially if there are language barriers, age differences, or ethnic variations of those around. Sarcasm isn’t universal. If one has to say “Just kidding” or “That was a joke,” it’s time to switch your style for the group you’re with.”

#18

This Is A Drum Set

This Is A Drum Set

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However, it’s not impossible. To prove this, she kindly shared her son’s inspiring journey to humor. “One of our sons is on the autistic spectrum and used to laugh when others laughed. When it was realized he was mirroring, we worked to explain jokes in a broken-down method. Years later, he’s performing improv on stages. Taking the time to work at humor matters. It’s also how we learn from each other and about each other.”

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Meanwhile, Eckstein believes that something that can help is being well-read and open-minded. He also adds, “There’s no crime for not getting a joke. I like to say that if EVERYONE gets the joke, it cannot be great but is probably bland enough that people with little or no sense of humor find it funny. When it comes to humor, quality over quantity.”

#22

Facebook Never Disappoints

Facebook Never Disappoints

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Olsen concludes by saying that humor can be universal and connect people if you’re including them and taking ideas from a current moment. “Even with strangers in line at the store. “If this line were moving any slower, we’d look like we’re here for a group photo."

She adds, "Humor is a connector. Including those around you in on the fun is a fantastic way to share a laugh, experience joy, and leave laughter in your wake.”

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#31

I Can’t Believe Da Vinci Would Do Something Like That

I Can’t Believe Da Vinci Would Do Something Like That

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#38

I Knew I Would Find That Comment

I Knew I Would Find That Comment

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#39

Yes, Dorothy

Yes, Dorothy

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eMp Tee
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Giant blueberries created through genetic engineering. (had to include the dog for scale because he ate this last banana)

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#40

Wdym, Its A Picture Taken Back Then

Wdym, Its A Picture Taken Back Then

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#41

Nothing Gets Past This Person, Not Even Those Sneaky Party Invites

Nothing Gets Past This Person, Not Even Those Sneaky Party Invites

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#42

Why Is Everyone On Instagram So Stupid

Why Is Everyone On Instagram So Stupid

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#44

Same Way All Submarines Do

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#45

You’re Wrong My Friend

You’re Wrong My Friend

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#46

That Guy Must've Hard Time Getting Laid

That Guy Must've Hard Time Getting Laid

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#50

"This Is Also A Lie"

"This Is Also A Lie"

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