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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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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.

#7

How Could You Forget

How Could You Forget

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

hahahha. As a rarely colorblind girl, I can confirm this pie chart.

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

Uncle is color blind. Asked him what color a dress was on a BW show. He rolled his eyes and said grey

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

My question would've been, what kind of colour blindness do you have? The circle needs a 3rd option, I'm thinking.

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

My husband is colorblind. What he sees is not what I see so we joke around about it. He does not see dark colors, they all look black. There is no black in our world - it is just dark!

Paul Gerrard
Community Member
6 months ago

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You know those s not how colour blindness works. Its like yellow is invisible

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

My own experience is that it's seeing a different colour distinction than what the majority of other people see. For me, it's shades of red / brown vs. green, and yes, I've been through the full set of Ishihara tests. Clearly, for humour purposes, they made this one obvious so that people who **aren't** colourblind would get the joke.

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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 🇳🇬
Community Member
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
Community Member
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

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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#54

It’s Just All Around Easier

It’s Just All Around Easier

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#56

How Do You Not See The Sarcasm?!

How Do You Not See The Sarcasm?!

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

Guns are stupid. I got one when my sword broke, and when I went to open my mail it destroyed my tax rebate cheque.

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#60

Running Was Invented

Running Was Invented

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#63

Maybe It Only Shows On iPhone

Maybe It Only Shows On iPhone

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#64

Well In That Case

Well In That Case

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#68

Cars, Laws, Signs

Cars, Laws, Signs

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

But he didn't do it right, the lines are supp[sed to cross, duh

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#73

Yes, You Were Obviously The Only One That Noticed

Yes, You Were Obviously The Only One That Noticed

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

Is it only me that noticed that it's a 4 prong European fork that isn't compatible, and that even if it was it's a GFI outlet?

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#74

The Manager Will Listen To Me... This May Not End Well

The Manager Will Listen To Me... This May Not End Well

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#77

Instagram People

Instagram People

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

So these poor cats have been forbidden just because they speak Spanish, not English?

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