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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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#17

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

I suppose putting ketchup on your pasta will get you banned too

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

Gravy and pasta is delicious. I mean actual gravy not the red kind that isn't a gravy.

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

If they find canned pineapple in your luggage at an Italian airport, they will hand you over to the 'Ndrangheta. May you rest in pieces...

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

In China where they invented Pasta they'll put anything on it for flavor

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

Not every pasta dish is Italian? Many noodle dishes go with gravy. Beef stroganoff?

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

I make egg noodles with mushroom gravy, linguica (Portuguese sausage) and bell peppers regularly. It's delicious, relatively inexpensive and you can make it in a big batch so it lasts 2 days.

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

(Currently trying to figure out the difference between bolognese and gravy)

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

Fair's fair. So everyone EXCEPT this lady should now be banned from Italy.

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

I serve my stew over pasta when I don't have the patience to make rice. It's yummy. Fight me.\

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

I need to try this, being banned from an entire country would easily be the most interesting thing about me.

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

How is this off from hamburger helper? I'm just missing the ground beef here!

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

Wouldda been okay if she'd added some eel. Then they'd say "that's a moray"!

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

I am of 100% southern Italian background living in Canada. All four of my grandparents were desperately poor (2 were completely illiterate). Maybe around 1912 my grandmother (still a kid herself) would go to a soup kitchen for a handout for her family. "Bring your own pot". The nuns running this charity were poor themselves. One day the "soup" was only oatmeal porridge. My grandmother's family had no idea what this was. The closest thing in their experience was polenta. So my great-grandmother served the porridge with spaghetti sauce.

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

It's all good. Throw a little cheese curd on it and she can make a living selling it in Canada.

Steve Riddle
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This reminds me of some posters who flip out over certain foods/s.

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

I love red sauce, but that looks delicious ... I'd drink beef gravy out of an old shoe!

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

Been there, done that. It's not that disgusting. I even eat pasta with black pudding, bacon and applesauce. I don't think anyone else has ever tried this combo.

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

As a kid I just loved this and would still love to eat this today!

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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
Community Member
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
Community Member
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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