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Some days, you can’t help but feel that the universe not only works in mysterious ways but also has a great sense of humor. Believing that people will act a certain way or signs will commit to what they are saying, you often don’t expect they’ll do the exact opposite. And that’s what makes it so ludicrous.

The world is full of unpredicted things, you just have to keep your eyes open. From manually cleaning an iRobot store to humorous health inspection awards, people who stumbled upon something so accidentally ironic just had to take a picture and share it with the whole web.

Bored Panda has scoured the internet and compiled a list of some of the finest ironic moments for you to enjoy. So get ready to have a good laugh and upvote your favorite ones! And if you’re hungry for some more hilarious situations, be sure to check out our previous posts right here and here.

#1

Shell And Cif, The Destroyers Of Planets, Eliminators Of Lifeforms

Shell And Cif, The Destroyers Of Planets, Eliminators Of Lifeforms

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Everyone loves a delicious bit of irony from time to time. When we stumble upon these unexpected moments, they get easily stuck in our heads—after all, we know irony when we see it. But when it comes to defining the term and expressing it with words, many people have difficulties.

The most basic definition of this term is a conflict between what’s expected and what occurs. To learn more about irony and its humorous nature, we reached out to Roger J. Kreuz, Ph.D., a professor of psychology and an associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Memphis.

In his recent book, Irony and Sarcasm, Kreuz goes into great detail in explaining how and why these words “are two of the most misused, misapplied, and misunderstood words in our conversational lexicon.”

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While many of us instinctively understand when a situation is ironic, it can be hard to articulate it. The professor said that the reason behind this is that “the perception of irony is triggered by violations of implicit assumptions that we have about the world and how it is supposed to work.” 

“In most cases, we aren’t even aware of these assumptions until we encounter something incongruous or peculiar that contradicts our expectations,” he added. Kreuz provided a couple of examples: 

  • You encounter a sign with a misspelling in front of a store. Not a big deal – mistakes happen. Not irony.
  • You see a sign in front of a school. Many schools have such signs, so nothing surprising about that. Not irony.
  • You see a sign in front of a school that reads “We are committed to excellense.” Educators are supposed to know how to spell, so the juxtaposition of the message, the mistake, and its very public location triggers a sense of irony.
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#7

What If?

What If?

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Tabby_Sohee
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m sorry, but this is inconsiderate. Many people who state their religion as an excuse and do horrible things are indeed Christian, but it’s not a religion-based thing, every religion has those kinds of psychos. Christianity does not deserve to be put down like this and be called a lie; calling someone’s beliefs and integrity a lie is not the way to building equality between religions and cultures. Please, let’s try to accept other cultures instead of bashing down the ones of others.

Cuddly Panda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The problem with Christianity, at least here in the US, is that it is the religion trying legislate morality and force their ethics onto our society via political means. There is no other religion doing that on a nationwide scale. Francis of Assisi is attributed as saying "Preach the gospel at all times. Use words if necessary." It seems as if most Christians these days do the reverse.

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Traniel Ditasavit
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wtf is wrong with y’all? Yes, I get it, this church was stupid to put up this sign. Yes, I get it, some Christians can be hateful and annoyingly agnostic. Becoming a hater yourself doesn’t help the situation. Religiophobes (haters who discriminate based on religion) are no better than racists, sexists, homophobes, transphobes, ableists, and any other hateful prejudiced low-lifes on this planet. You’ve now outed yourself as a hater. Congrats.

Jamma
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh my god! Not homophones! But seriously - you are comparing people being discriminated against because of WHO THEY PHYSICALLY ARE vs. people being discriminated against because of believing in and letting their life be ruled by a fairy tale. I give the same respect to people who are fanatics about Harry Potter or Donald Trump's made-up worlds.

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John
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Put this on a mosque or Hindu temple, etc. and it would be called bad taste to make fun of it.

Bored Panda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s kind of the point, you won’t find this sign on a mosque or a temple.

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Llama_flower93
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can see how this would be funny to a certain group of people. But posting it on here, as if everyone will find it funny feels insensitive. However, I feel fine when these posts make fun of flat earthers, so, I dunno. Maybe I'm hypocritical, and we all just have to suck it up.

Desmond Brown
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow. Christianity is such an important part of many peoples cultures and ethnic identities. I can’t believe how much hate there is on boredpanda sometimes…just because you don’t believe it yourself doesn’t mean it isn’t true.

Beck
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But just because you believe it does not mean it's true. Goes both ways.

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Hugh Walter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I stopped believing that lie at age 7, sat in a freezing Church (Eversley, Hampshire) listening to a fatuous grown-up tell me god was everywhere if I needed to talk to him! "Yeah? So why drag me here to this fridge you built, fŭckwit?"

Traniel Ditasavit
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your choice and you have a right to believe what you believe. No need to hate ppl.

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MaggieWest
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn't interpret this as "Christianity is a lie" but as "there is no God". So not slagging on Christians here, more like all religions.

TheOrangeGrape
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yk what yall... can we please stop hating on everyone? I understand you don't agree with one another, but it's no excuse to be so awful to each other. As a human being, it's my understanding that we should be kind to our fellow humans, not tear them down over something as trivial as a worldview. Yall are preaching on your soapboxes about inclusion and acceptance, and yet you turn a blind eye when it comes to religion. Yes, I understand that some "Christians" are horrible, disgusting people, but as a Christian, I can tell you we are called to love EVERYONE, not just other Christians (see the Epistles). Please stop attacking one another (both sides please) and learn to get along. It's just a joke, and granted, this joke is hurtful, but don't make it worse. Sorry for the rant

Phyzzi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let's break things down a bit, shall we? 1) This sign is fundamentally disrespectful to nonchristians. It asks an existential question and implies an answer other than theirs is wrong. 2) Someone thought that the sign was ironic and posted it 3) people got upset about something they saw as rude/mean to Christians 4) people complained about how treating someone differently because of (their Christan) beliefs is unfair but 1)....

Nerdpanda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Making fun of someone else's beliefs does not make you funny or smart,you're just a meanie😞

Sigourney Di Blasi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everybody is so brave charging agains't Christians. I dare you say the same to Mediterranean and middle east teocracies.

CammyCat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Asked my dad once how he knows his religion is the true one when everyone believe that. He said “they’re all wrong”…

Susan Williams
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Had many fascinating conversations with priests who tried to explain how the human race survived with no mention, in the bible, of who Adam and Eve's son impregnated.

Betsy Novack
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What if you were told the same lie you're whole life and never were check it out. How many little kids don't care if their best friend is black or brown? What if it's never been a lie? Truth never has to remember what the story is. It's the same and will be the same while the lies get tweaked and bigger with every telling.

Anita Pickle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When opinions and Personal beliefs are mistaken as truth and facts. Common in religion, politics and social media.

Chloe *Leah* Pheonix
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I dont know why you got downvoted because I'm having a hard time figuring it out too. I'm not Christian, I'm just stupid lol

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Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't get it. is it saying that their belief is a lie? if so thats just mean..

NL Stuart
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't see any reference to any religion in this sign. Why do so many people assume it refers to their own religion? It could be about racism, or belief that kitchens have to be red and bedrooms have to be blue. Or that smoking can't hurt you.

Bored Panda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s a church, I don’t think they’re talking about interior decorating.

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Yea ok
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Death is a lie in these people's culture, I'll take it

Mel B
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As my prayer says every Sunday, "I'd rather live as if it's true and find it's not than love like it's not and fine it is"

Radar O.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is only ironic to agressive atheists. Go on, make fun of the folks with a stated faith. Most of us can see why you're doing that. I wish you much success in amusing your friends.

Regina George
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow.... this is so disrespectful. Congratulations bored panda, I hope you're proud of yourself 👏

Bri Lancaster
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

LOOK WHAT YOU DID BORED PANDA! On the other hand, everyone should respect each other, regardless of what you believe, except for David Stuckey, no one should respect him because he's just full of s**t and he should have a million downvotes and he should die at the hands of someone.

Nikole
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so hilariously wonderful... Wonderfully hilarious?

MS
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, like being an adult and still thinking that there is this man with a beard up above who keeps track of all your transgressions and prepares to reward or punish you at the end.... of the year, you know, Santa Claus!

HalfFinnishedAustralian
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All you Christian people on these comments, just stop saying that God is real to those who don't believe it. It's like how you don't want people saying that God doesn't exist.

Mya Lugar
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

and now that you are getting old, you realize you never gave science , truth, reality a real chance.

CJ Welty
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

WE ALL GONNA DIE. SHAME IS THAT WILLIAM McGLOOM CANT SEE PAST HIS FLESHLY EXCISTENCE AND REALize HIS SPIRIT IS FOREVER, LIFE IS BUT A MOMENT

CrazyRedHead
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have. And it turns out, pirates didn't eat waffles every Thursday.

Jaguarundi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No...I grew out of believing that fairy tale after my brain fully developed.

K Tigress
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh BOY! more Click bait and excuses for hate from🙄 the those little crack pots/ christ-a-phobes again. Like that's new..... I guess nothing better for them to do then make cheep shots with their little plastic swords.

Nikole
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, prove it. Oh, but "proof denies faith", right? How convenient... Just stop pushing your fairy tales on people and laws.

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Robert Thompson
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Like the one that starts with "The Big Bang" What a lie. And yet some people (even people here on bored Panda) believe that we evolved by chance. 🙄

Dizz2K7 Gaming
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

This is only ironic for people with their head up their ass.

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#9

Pharmacy Puts Their Back Pain Stuff On The Bottom Shelf

Pharmacy Puts Their Back Pain Stuff On The Bottom Shelf

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#10

Handle Broke

Handle Broke

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“In a similar way, a destroyed book is not ironic, and a book about dog training isn’t either,” the professor continued. But if you juxtapose them and see Dog Training for Dummies being destroyed by your furry four-legged friend: “Voilà, irony!”

One thing that many people tend to mix up is verbal irony and sarcasm. These two words often are used interchangeably, yet they’re not the same. “Irony is often triggered by situations and involves incongruity, juxtaposition, and unexpectedness. Sarcasm, on the other hand, is typically verbal,” Kreuz told Bored Panda. 

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“It often makes use of irony to criticize someone else, or to be humorous. But not all sarcasm involves irony, which is why people are often confused about these terms.”

#11

Things Have Gone Wrong Somewhere

Things Have Gone Wrong Somewhere

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Lousha
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This might look funny but only 50 percent went wrong, if that. I will say that dogs should not be in strollers and shouldn't be bred to the point where they are not dogs anymore. But kids on a leash - that is a good thing! It makes the outings much safer. Such small kids, even if very well behaved and disciplined don't yet have a brain yet that can compute consequences. The world is fast and dangerous. The leash can make sure they never disappear on you when for 2 seconds you're looking at what the other one is doing, and can't run ahead enough to be hit by a car. I used to be a nanny and I refused to take the 3 year old out until I was given one of these. I was still holding her hand and she was a very good little lady, but it made me feel safer to know that she can't just dart out on a whim as we're crossing a million roads to school.

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#13

Found This Old Apple Slogan. Times Sure Have Changed

Found This Old Apple Slogan. Times Sure Have Changed

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And talking about why many of us find it comical when we come across an ironic sign, poster, or image, Kreuz mentioned that we think it’s amusing because it’s almost like solving a puzzle. “When we spot the incongruity, we can be amused, and then perhaps consider ourselves to be a little superior compared to those who don’t ’get the joke.’”

Looking through this list, you can’t help but feel reminded to expect the unexpected and chuckle at the ups and downs of life. After all, ironic billboards, posters, and situations are lurking all around us, just waiting to be captured and shared with people in great need of a laugh or two.

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#14

Dog Came To The Vet Today For Swallowing A Monopoly Piece

Dog Came To The Vet Today For Swallowing A Monopoly Piece

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#15

This Subway Is Telling People To Eat Next Door

This Subway Is Telling People To Eat Next Door

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#18

Noticed Our Stroller Felt A Little Weird, Found Out There’s A Pin Stuck In The Tire. The Pin Is Very Ironic

Noticed Our Stroller Felt A Little Weird, Found Out There’s A Pin Stuck In The Tire. The Pin Is Very Ironic

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#24

There Was An Attempt To Stop The Seagulls

There Was An Attempt To Stop The Seagulls

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#25

Nestled Away In A Small Local Newspaper Is The Greatest And Most Ironic Ad Ever

Nestled Away In A Small Local Newspaper Is The Greatest And Most Ironic Ad Ever

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#26

Took This After Lunch At The Restaurant. At Least The Irony Is Delicious

Took This After Lunch At The Restaurant. At Least The Irony Is Delicious

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#28

A Machine Came Thru My Local John Deere For Repairs From The Tornado In Kentucky

A Machine Came Thru My Local John Deere For Repairs From The Tornado In Kentucky

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#30

We Always Get Each Other Ironic Gifts, My Little Sister Killed It This Year: Batteries Not Included

We Always Get Each Other Ironic Gifts, My Little Sister Killed It This Year: Batteries Not Included

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#32

For Christmas 2019, My Boss Gifted Us With 1 Work From Home Day In 2020

For Christmas 2019, My Boss Gifted Us With 1 Work From Home Day In 2020

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#34

Well Isn’t That Ironic

Well Isn’t That Ironic

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Bacony Cakes
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

*puts these in my printer, runs out of magenta immediately, buys new of these, print heads are misaligned, i waste all the cyan doing the test thing, i buy more of these, they're incompatible because they have drm somehow, i give up and throw my printer into an active volcano*

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#36

“This Is Not Style. This Is Stupidity”

“This Is Not Style. This Is Stupidity”

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Mr Red
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine waking up in the morning, take a shower, have some coffee and get to your car to go shopping... then running back in and shouting to your husband: I almost forgot my sign, silly me!

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#38

He Knew It Would Come To This One Day

He Knew It Would Come To This One Day

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#39

This A Little Infuriating Exchange On A Dating App

This A Little Infuriating Exchange On A Dating App

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#42

Picking Up Plastic On The Beach Today... The Irony

Picking Up Plastic On The Beach Today... The Irony

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#43

Our Youngest Son Has A Taste For Irony

Our Youngest Son Has A Taste For Irony

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#44

Breakable

Breakable

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80 Van
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m surprised this didn’t happen more often with the DVD’s being in a paper sleeve going through the mail system.

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#45

Goddammit

Goddammit

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#47

Irony

Irony

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Troux
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When they let you give your own performance evaluations at work.

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#48

There Was Flooding Where I Live Recently. Ironic

There Was Flooding Where I Live Recently. Ironic

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#49

The Irony Here Is Amazing. Never Tell Me The Odds

The Irony Here Is Amazing. Never Tell Me The Odds

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#50

The Left Door Perfectly Describes The Right Door's Condition

The Left Door Perfectly Describes The Right Door's Condition

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Note: this post originally had 120 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.