ADVERTISEMENT

If it sounds stupid, looks stupid, quacks like stupid, but also (kinda) works, is it still stupid? The jury’s still out on this one. What we know for sure is that in the world of life hacks, even the weirdest ideas can still have merit. All it takes is a bit of creativity and the willingness to stick a broken key into a potato to make a new grip. Genius and madness are often two sides of the same coin, after all.

Our team over here at Bored Panda wanted to share some of that peculiar worldly wisdom with you, so we’ve compiled this list of the most bizarre life hacks that (sorta, kinda, surprisingly) work. Scroll on down and remember to upvote the ones that impressed you the most, as well as the ones that got you giggling so hard, you had to take a five-minute break. Got a particular fave hack that you can’t wait to share with all of your friends semi-seriously? Let us know which one it was in the comments.

Who better to help navigate the world of silliness than a comedian? Comedy writer and musical stand-up comedian Ariane Sherine put an end to the age-old discussion about whether or not something's dumb if it works. "It’s actually very smart, and it’s a shame if people don’t use it through fear of looking dumb!" she told Bored Panda. Read on for the rest of our interview with Ariane.

In the mood for some more hacks and even more laughs to boost your mood? You’ll find our earlier posts about silly but functional life hacks over here and right here. Bon appétit.

RELATED:

    British comedian Ariane explained that human beings tend to look down on ideas that sound dumb on a theoretical level because we want to appear much more intelligent than we might actually be. It's all to do with our (perceived) reputations!

    "Everybody wants to think they’re smart (even if they’re actually Donald Trump!) and people hate feeling stupid or being duped. If a piece of advice doesn’t sound helpful, I guess people who see themselves as clever will automatically reject it rather than try it and risk feeling dumb," she shared with Bored Panda.

    #5

    If It's Stupid And It Works It's Not Stupid

    If It's Stupid And It Works It's Not Stupid

    cindaysaur Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #6

    My Dad Apparently Sneaks His Remote Into A Local Bar So He Can Change The Channel When He Doesn’t Like What’s On. I’m Equally Embarrassed And Impressed

    My Dad Apparently Sneaks His Remote Into A Local Bar So He Can Change The Channel When He Doesn’t Like What’s On. I’m Equally Embarrassed And Impressed

    BandoLou Report

    Meanwhile, Ariane, just like us, is a huge fan of avocados. Not surprisingly, her favorite life hack has to do with them and how they have an "inbult ripeness sensor" that lets you tell if the avocado is overripe or still green (yes, yes, they're always green, but you know what we mean!).

    "You know how hard it is to tell whether an avocado’s ripe before cutting into it? Simply twist the stem. If it doesn’t come off, it’s underripe; if it comes off and is green underneath, it’s ripe; if it’s brown underneath, it’s overripe. Voila—no more rock hard or mushy grey avocados!" she shared, adding that she has, just us, found that supermarkets promoting 'ripe' avocados tend to lie about just how ripe they really are.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #9

    If You Stain A Shirt, You Can Simply Outline The Stain With A Sharpie And Give It A Name. This Will Make It Seam Like You Visit Islands

    If You Stain A Shirt, You Can Simply Outline The Stain With A Sharpie And Give It A Name. This Will Make It Seam Like You Visit Islands

    joecool32 Report

    Life hacks come in all shapes and sizes. From tiny modifications to how you go about your day for increased efficiency to some seriously out-of-the-box thinking that stays with you, changing your entire perception about life and how you’ve been living it.

    #10

    Learn When To Cry

    Learn When To Cry

    lawyerman_ktk Report

    In short, life hacks are concentrated bits of worldly wisdom that people have picked up during their lives. We’ve all got at least a few pearls of wisdom that we can share with others, but we’re sometimes not aware that it’s something that others wouldn’t know about.

    #13

    If It Works It's Not Stupid

    If It Works It's Not Stupid

    personathethird Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Raine Soo
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you can keep your herd together with minimal effort, it is not stupid.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT

    While some life hacks we pick up from others, improving them to fit our needs, others are, as Bob Ross would say, “happy little accidents.” It just goes to show that even when we think that we’ve got life all figured out, a small slip or mistake can actually be an opportunity to live life better. I mean, I probably won’t use a potato as a key handle until I absolutely have to, but it’s good to have the idea about how flexible I can be somewhere in the back of my head.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    For the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, practical wisdom (also known as practical rationality or ‘phronesis’) was the highest intellectual virtue. “Phronesis is the complicated interactions between general (theory) and practical (judgment),” one paper explains.

    #19

    I Figured Out You Don’t Actually Have To Assemble These Things

    I Figured Out You Don’t Actually Have To Assemble These Things

    ImWadeYo Report

    #20

    My Brother Wanted To Measure The Trees In His Yard. This Is How Did He Did It

    My Brother Wanted To Measure The Trees In His Yard. This Is How Did He Did It

    Shwnwllms Report

    While we might not immediately link life hacks to something as profound as Aristotelean philosophy, they do hold some things in common, specifically the practical and correct application of theoretical knowledge. And considering that some of these life hacks help solve real-world issues (however small they might be), they shouldn’t be dismissed despite how dumb they might sound on a purely theoretical level.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #24

    If You’re Broke And Can’t Afford Coasters Grab Some Flooring Samples From Home Depot. They Are Free And Come In A Variety Of Colors And Finishes

    If You’re Broke And Can’t Afford Coasters Grab Some Flooring Samples From Home Depot. They Are Free And Come In A Variety Of Colors And Finishes

    Jaunt- Report

    Life hacks might not be as mighty as author John Bradshaw explains in his book ‘Reclaiming Virtue’ (i.e. practical wisdom being “the ability to do the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason”), but they are a reflection of humankind’s ability to adapt and overcome challenges, from the tiny and ridiculous to the profound and consequential. There’s nothing wrong with MacGyvering a solution if conventional knowledge fails us!

    #26

    Started Staining The Deck And Needed To Keep The Dog Off The Deck Boards. Solution Found

    Started Staining The Deck And Needed To Keep The Dog Off The Deck Boards. Solution Found

    brotatohead Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Raine Soo
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, this is assuming your dog is afraid of the vacuum cleaner. I had a neighbour with a Boston Terrier that loved the vacuum. Weird doggo.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu

    But what life hacks do you have to share with all the other Pandas? Are they something that you discovered by accident or did you see them somewhere? Do you believe that life hacks can be considered to be successful if they’re really dumb but work? What’s the absolute stupidest life hack you’ve ever seen that still (kinda, sorta, surprisingly) works? Let us know what you think below.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #28

    If It's Stupid And It Works It Ain't Stupid

    If It's Stupid And It Works It Ain't Stupid

    mrbik225 Report

    #29

    How To Have Fun As A Parent

    How To Have Fun As A Parent

    i-like-to-be-wooshed Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would be the last one except it wouldn't be intentional. Never been good at skateboarding.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #30

    Meanwhile This Person Is Living In 3018

    Meanwhile This Person Is Living In 3018

    Report

    #32

    5 Second Rule

    5 Second Rule

    life_lamp Report

    #34

    A Flood Can Be A Great Opportunity To Turn Your Home Into An Aquarium

    A Flood Can Be A Great Opportunity To Turn Your Home Into An Aquarium

    MarticZtn Report

    #35

    Stay Thin Y’all

    Stay Thin Y’all

    knightsglow Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    BananaJo
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I mean good idead, but usually they're half full, so it might look a little sus

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #36

    Because It’s Sunny I Want To Work Outside But It’s So Bright I Can’t Really See The Screen. Putting Your Laptop In A Box Blocks Out The Light, So Your Laptop Screen Is Bright. It Also Keeps Laptop Cooler

    Because It’s Sunny I Want To Work Outside But It’s So Bright I Can’t Really See The Screen. Putting Your Laptop In A Box Blocks Out The Light, So Your Laptop Screen Is Bright. It Also Keeps Laptop Cooler

    benlouislebu Report

    #38

    In Todays Episode Of Slavic Science

    In Todays Episode Of Slavic Science

    Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Aahzmandus Pervect
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The car is Italian, and the plates are Brazilian, so I guess the car's also been made there. What's Slavic about this?

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #39

    Efficient Way To Get Drunk During Quarantine

    Efficient Way To Get Drunk During Quarantine

    BennyWillard Report

    #40

    My 12 Year Old Son Modified His Bike With Carpet For Barefoot Riding

    My 12 Year Old Son Modified His Bike With Carpet For Barefoot Riding

    flaglerite Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Whilst it is a clever idea, riding without shoes is not. Accidents happen a lot more than you think.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #41

    Independent Fact Checkers Show This Is True

    Independent Fact Checkers Show This Is True

    JackWilliamRtF Report

    #42

    Afraid Those Lottery Tickets You Got For Stocking Stuffers Might Actually Be Winners?

    Afraid Those Lottery Tickets You Got For Stocking Stuffers Might Actually Be Winners?

    udunn0jb Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #44

    The Man Sitting In Front Of Me On The Train Is Using A Twix As A Pillow

    The Man Sitting In Front Of Me On The Train Is Using A Twix As A Pillow

    star_man_u Report

    #45

    Steal Big

    Steal Big

    seangentille Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Ozacoter
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I stole pens from my last internship and never paid in the coffee machine. They made me work extra hours, never taught me a thing (I needed to follow an online free R course because the tutor wouldnt help me programing it), wanted me to also work in the weekends (not allowed in the university). And when I got ill and needed to go to the hospital they were mad at me. At the end they graded me with a 6 despite going to work there for months with big health problems and labeled me "inmature and irresponsible". Because apparently being ill is inmature now.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #47

    If Your Key Breaks In Half, Just Stick It Into A Potato Like My Friend Did This Morning

    If Your Key Breaks In Half, Just Stick It Into A Potato Like My Friend Did This Morning

    sgape Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But what if the bottom half is already stuck in the lock. Do I mash some potato inside and it work like normal again.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #48

    Cool Your Backside Off On A Hot Day By Pressing It Against The Cold Door

    Cool Your Backside Off On A Hot Day By Pressing It Against The Cold Door

    _ThatSynGirl_ Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Ozacoter
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Our husky used to flatten himself against the stone kitchen floor. Smart guy

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #50

    Cutting Your Tennis Balls In Half Allows You To Store Two More Balls In Each Can, Saving Space

    Cutting Your Tennis Balls In Half Allows You To Store Two More Balls In Each Can, Saving Space

    fantafano Report

    Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
    Unlimited content
    Ad-free browsing
    Dark mode
    #51

    I Guess It's Not Stupid If It Works (Planted 300 Bulbs In 2 Hours)

    I Guess It's Not Stupid If It Works (Planted 300 Bulbs In 2 Hours)

    ChickenPotPi Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #52

    Pistachio Nut And A Dab Of Glue Saved The Day

    Pistachio Nut And A Dab Of Glue Saved The Day

    Iwanttoplaytoo Report

    #53

    A Tube To Prevent Phone Distractions During Conversation

    A Tube To Prevent Phone Distractions During Conversation

    Meow Wolf Report

    #55

    Car Hacks #1

    Car Hacks #1

    adakshad Report

    #57

    Some Of My Succulents Don’t Like Full Full Sun... So I Bought Them Some Shade. It’s Not Dumb If It Works, Right?

    Some Of My Succulents Don’t Like Full Full Sun... So I Bought Them Some Shade. It’s Not Dumb If It Works, Right?

    Canary1226 Report

    #58

    Pretend That Money Isn’t An Issue For Becoming A Responsible Adult

    Pretend That Money Isn’t An Issue For Becoming A Responsible Adult

    technicallyron Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #60

    Play Vacuum Sounds On Youtube When You Don’t Feel Like Vacuuming

    Play Vacuum Sounds On Youtube When You Don’t Feel Like Vacuuming

    calltaflighter Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Raine Soo
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I lay in bed whilst the Roomba is going about its business. It will even clean underneath my bed!

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #62

    DIY Smoke Detector

    DIY Smoke Detector

    _h4cHi Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    ThatOneCrazyFanGirl
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    *Pop Pop Pop* "FIRE!! FIREEE!!!" "take a chill pill man i'm just making some popcorn :\"

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #63

    Store Your Gum In Your Pill Bottle So People Don't Ask You For Gum

    Store Your Gum In Your Pill Bottle So People Don't Ask You For Gum

    banterpapi69_ Report

    #64

    Use A Fork In Case You Haven’t Mastered Chopsticks Yet

    Use A Fork In Case You Haven’t Mastered Chopsticks Yet

    reddit.com Report

    #65

    Put Your Beer In A Coffee Mug So Nobody At Work Knows You’re Drinking

    Put Your Beer In A Coffee Mug So Nobody At Work Knows You’re Drinking

    ReddicaPolitician Report

    #67

    Keep The Gas Turned On So Your Partner Doesn't Have To Make Too Much Effort While Heating Their Dinner

    Keep The Gas Turned On So Your Partner Doesn't Have To Make Too Much Effort While Heating Their Dinner

    MohanBhargava Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #68

    Claim You’re Under 21 To Avoid Paying For Alcohol

    Claim You’re Under 21 To Avoid Paying For Alcohol

    Aris-Totally Report

    #69

    How To Make Your Double Bacon Cheeseburger Healthier

    How To Make Your Double Bacon Cheeseburger Healthier

    BadHealthAdvice Report

    #71

    Knowing When To Shower

    Knowing When To Shower

    Mom_Overboard Report

    #72

    Take An Item That Is About To Expire And Place It Into Another Container Without An Expiration Date To Make It Last Forever

    Take An Item That Is About To Expire And Place It Into Another Container Without An Expiration Date To Make It Last Forever

    multipath_tcp Report

    #73

    Dad’s “Life Hack” Didn’t Make Mom As Happy As He Hoped

    Dad’s “Life Hack” Didn’t Make Mom As Happy As He Hoped

    PhallusSea Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    SirPatTheCat
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ah I see it's probably because the blue tape didn't match the décor. Shoulda used duct tape instead.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #74

    If You Wear Contacts, Leave Them In A Cup Of Coffee Overnight. Instant Sunglasses

    If You Wear Contacts, Leave Them In A Cup Of Coffee Overnight. Instant Sunglasses

    xippix Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well that's an infection just waiting to happen. But a sure way to get your caffeine fix lol.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #75

    My Daughter's Job Only Allows Black Pants And No Rips. Her Normal Pair Was Still In The Washer So She Hacked It. Will It Work?

    My Daughter's Job Only Allows Black Pants And No Rips. Her Normal Pair Was Still In The Washer So She Hacked It. Will It Work?

    IndoorNewb Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #76

    Husband's Bedside Cup Holder

    Husband's Bedside Cup Holder

    rosiesugarpie Report

    #78

    If It Works It's Not Stupid

    If It Works It's Not Stupid

    DanielFranko Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    I I
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    with onions always peel all the onions you are chopping first , then LEAVE THE ROOTS , if you dont cut through the roots you;ll have a better chance of not crying

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #79

    If You Don't Like The Sauce You Used On Your Pasta, Just Wash It In Washing Machine

    If You Don't Like The Sauce You Used On Your Pasta, Just Wash It In Washing Machine

    ApplyBurnHeal Report

    #80

    It's Not Stupid If It Works. Two Dollar Bumper Buddies

    It's Not Stupid If It Works. Two Dollar Bumper Buddies

    JustaBabyApe Report

    #81

    If It Is Stupid But It Works, It Ain't Stupid

    If It Is Stupid But It Works, It Ain't Stupid

    cipher0_ Report

    #82

    If It Looks Stupid, But It Works, It Ain't Stupid

    If It Looks Stupid, But It Works, It Ain't Stupid

    Cinema7D Report

    #83

    This Is How My Auntie Blocks Ads From Her Computer Screen

    This Is How My Auntie Blocks Ads From Her Computer Screen

    itswallsss Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #84

    Store A Paint Brush With Your Paint To Keep It From Drying Out And Have One Handy

    Store A Paint Brush With Your Paint To Keep It From Drying Out And Have One Handy

    minimur12 Report

    #85

    An Easy Way To Take Sneak Your Gameboy Into Class

    An Easy Way To Take Sneak Your Gameboy Into Class

    firmeyecontact Report

    #86

    No More Tears In The Kitchen

    No More Tears In The Kitchen

    SashaEitan Report

    #88

    Getting Windows

    Getting Windows

    chanchan05 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Mohsie Supposie
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is very true. I got my Windows license from one of my workplace PCs.

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

    Do software packages still use keys? I last remember this for Autocad 12 or maybe 13, way way back. The next version we go was downloaded directly onto our hard drives.

    danielw
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    this is called theft. They have to pay for every license in use, so the library or whoever is stealing them. if your that hard up for cash, just download ubuntu. it's free. and after you've gotten used to the idea of linux, you're more than welcome to join the pcmasterace by downloading any other distro. (it's a 2 distro requirement.)

    BluEyedSeoulite
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Totally makes sense. We did the same for the high school computers. One acting up? Just clone it from the master

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #89

    Turn A Double Light Switch Into A Single With An Extra Wide Bag Clip

    Turn A Double Light Switch Into A Single With An Extra Wide Bag Clip

    dtaivp Report

    #90

    Want To Get The Covid Vaccine In NC Sooner? You Have 22 Days To Smoke 100 Cigarettes

    Want To Get The Covid Vaccine In NC Sooner? You Have 22 Days To Smoke 100 Cigarettes

    JoeBrunoWSOC9 Report

    #91

    Wife Hack

    Wife Hack

    Pillowburn Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Kristal
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, that won't work. Most already know what dishes are dirty.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #93

    A Backboard “Fix” Done By One Of My Neighbors

    A Backboard “Fix” Done By One Of My Neighbors

    MachoLad77 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #95

    How To Have A Clean Break Up

    How To Have A Clean Break Up

    RayInRed Report

    #96

    Don't Have Any Money? Check In Your Wallet - You May Have Left A Couple Of Bucks In There At Some Point

    Don't Have Any Money? Check In Your Wallet - You May Have Left A Couple Of Bucks In There At Some Point

    _meetmeinmontauk_ Report

    #98

    If It Looks Stupid But Working, It Ain't Stupid

    If It Looks Stupid But Working, It Ain't Stupid

    riashatrafat Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    SirPatTheCat
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know this is supposed to be the handle but I first thought of using it like a utensil and my tongue retracted into my esophagus on reflex

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #99

    My 11-Year-Old Sister Put A Plastic Ziplock Bag Over Bowl So She Doesn’t Have To Clean It

    My 11-Year-Old Sister Put A Plastic Ziplock Bag Over Bowl So She Doesn’t Have To Clean It

    Somespooky Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Susan Green
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That’s all this world needs, more plastic that’s needlessly thrown away.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #100

    If You Run Out Of Mobile Data, Just Snap Out That Emergency Sim Card From Your Credit Card

     If You Run Out Of Mobile Data, Just Snap Out That Emergency Sim Card From Your Credit Card

    7XavierL Report

    #101

    Use Your Retractable Armrest For Maximum Driving Comfort

    Use Your Retractable Armrest For Maximum Driving Comfort

    Colgatederpful Report

    #102

    Charge Your Phone Twice As Fast By Plugging It In While It’s On A Wireless Charger

    Charge Your Phone Twice As Fast By Plugging It In While It’s On A Wireless Charger

    kronicpimpin Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Joseph OReilly
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's how you(sing it with me) seeeeet your house on FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIREEEEEEEEEEE

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #105

    It's Not Stupid If It Works

    It's Not Stupid If It Works

    ManPlan78 Report

    #107

    The Perfect Towel Holder Doesn't Exis...

    The Perfect Towel Holder Doesn't Exis...

    spammington Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda