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The yellow press has a bit of a controversial reputation. But ask the wordsmiths who work there, and they will tell you that scandal sells. And if there’s no scandal, it can always be created.

The Twitter page “Mental Headlines” is clearly aware of that and has set out on a mission to document the most absurdly funny and downright odd headlines spotted in media that take entertainment onto a whole new meta level.

Below we wrapped up some of the most recent and chuckle-inducing examples for you to scroll through, so don’t forget to upvote the funniest ones as you go. Psst! More mental headlines await in our previous feature right here.

#1

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N Miller
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I rather think it should be Pigeon Lady denies being Piers Morgan. She's a nice person

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Beth Collier, a communication, creativity, & leadership consultant, told Bored Panda in an interview via email that there is so much competition for attention these days, and editors and writers have to be creative with their headlines to grab attention.

Having said that, Beth argues that they should also remember their journalistic responsibilities and the impact their words can have.

“The goal of a headline is to get attention and make a reader curious enough to read the story. But it's also frustrating to see the lengths people will go to in order to get clicks,” the communication expert explained.

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Beth argues that a headline should draw the reader in, but it should also be relevant and accurate to what the story is about. “That takes creativity.”

We also asked Beth if she thinks that audiences are aware of clickbait headlines. “I believe most readers know clickbait is happening (and which writers or publications are guilty of the practice),” she said.

#7

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

What has Mary been doing to get so popular, or do I not want to know.

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“There's a reason editors use clickbait: it works. A headline like 'You'll never believe what happened!' is designed to grab attention, and our curiosity often drives us to click.”

“That said, you'll often have a frustrated reader (who will leave the article, and may not return to your publication) if you get a reputation for using clickbait,” Beth explained.

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#10

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N Miller
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Apparently (just for some additional context) it's not unique to the monarch. Traditionally, the hive has to be told about changes to the head of the household in order not to upset the queen (bee in this case). Hives would be told all kinds of gozzip. Beekeepers are an odd bunch

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Most importantly, headlines should be clear and concise, and headlines that ignite some type of curiosity in us will attract readers, Beth argues.

“Headlines like ‘The Shameful Secret at the Heart of My War Reporting’, ‘Why Do I Feel More Anxious at Night?’ and ‘Is Pilates as Good as Everyone Says?’ (all taken from today's New York Times) work because they play on a reader's curiosity.”

And since we all like to be entertained, humorous headlines are likely to get more readers, too.

#13

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Jill Rhodry
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok, so I really needed context for this one: A woman who sent threats to her ex partner via his dog's Facebook page even though she was banned from contacting him has been sent to prison.

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#20

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#32

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Cyber Returns
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Give 'em a plastic bowl filled with a cold tin of baked beans and a plastic spoon

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#33

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

I hope the dog was given a breathalyser too 🐶 🍷 🍺

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#34

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

Then compounded the trauma by trying to wash it down with a pint at London prices

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#37

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Fantastic Mr Fox
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is it those hot towels? Some are lemon scented. I must admit I once was very close to putting one in my mouth. I thought at first glance it was a cake with shredded coconut. It looked delicious. th-641d534...09542.jpeg th-641d534d09542.jpeg

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#38

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#40

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Seamus Crumley
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Easily done. Her left eye is looking in a different direction from the right one.

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#43

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Cyber Returns
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Be off with you odorous gimp! Take this cigarette and safe journey! Now, begone!"

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#44

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Pat Ucu
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is it, this is my favourite, 'twas the onion rings wot did it

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#46

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

Had to google 'OnlyFans'. Not a thing in Germany. At least not in my age group.

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#61

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Cyber Returns
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never before have I laughed at a sentence containing the words "Quadruple Amputee" and "Proudfoot"

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#70

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Cyber Returns
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When your coochie squeaks like a party balloon when you walk, that's when you know you took the plastic surgery too far

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#71

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

I mean, this one really isn't that bad in comparison to some of the other bonkers things on this list. I am not a fan of royalty but I cannot deny what an incredible influence and role the late Queen Elizabeth II played in shaping the United Kingdom....heck, people bring family member's ashes to Disney Land

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#72

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Seamus Crumley
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some people have a nerve. How dare they die at the same time as a Queen. Have some respect.

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#78

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

Well, at least he's staying low-profile for fear of bringing attention to himself...

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