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Language is such a complex matter that a lifetime might not be enough to learn all of its ins and outs. And this goes with any of them, which makes English no exception. Despite being the most used one in the world, it often causes difficulties for foreigners and natives alike.

Especially when it comes to set phrases, some of which might sound different from what they actually are. For instance, saving a damsel in this dress, agreeing that looks can be this evening, or seeing a child who is a spit and image of their parent.

Whether it’s lack of familiarity with the language, a typo, or simply uncertainty about what the phrase is exactly, it often leads to some hilarious linguistic misunderstandings. We have browsed the internet to bring to you some of the best examples of such situations that ought to make you giggle. Scroll down for the list and have a good laugh.

In order to get better acquainted with the subtleties of the English language, Bored Panda reached out to Dr. Dorisa Costello, an associate professor at The School of Humanities and the Arts at William Jessup University. You will find our interview with her below.

#1

In Some Near

In Some Near

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

mf i read this a dozen times before I understood, I didn't read the bottom part until after. I may have insomnia but at least I can spell

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Nowadays, English is the most commonly used language in the world. According to Ethnologue’s 2022 data, there are 373 million native speakers and slightly more than a billion people who use English as a foreign language. (If you’re curious, when it comes to native and non-native speakers combined, it’s followed by Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, and Spanish respectively.)

English is considered the lingua franca that connects people from all over the world. It’s the main language in business, and plays an important role in tourism and many other industries. It is also an essential part of the internet world, as nearly 60% of online content is presented in English.

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    #2

    Catholic Converter

    Catholic Converter

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

    No one expects the Spanish Inquisition..... to be located just past your exhaust manifold.

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    #3

    Eggs-Been-A-D**k

    Eggs-Been-A-D**k

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    English might be the most used language globally, but that doesn’t mean it’s equally easy to learn for everybody. When discussing the hoops learners have to jump through, Dr. Dorisa Costello told Bored Panda: “One difficulty with English is that because it is a mixture of various language groups, and has incorporated cognates from other languages, it is not phonetic. So, for a language learner, pronunciation will be difficult.

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    “I think our grammatical rules are pretty straightforward, though there are always exceptions to the rules, but actually speaking and knowing how to pronounce words has to be learned through usage. How do you know how to pronounce 'cough,' 'bough,' and 'though'? They are all different, but they look the same. You only know by hearing them pronounced and then memorizing that pronunciation.”

    #4

    Doggy Dog

    Doggy Dog

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

    In case anyone missed it, I feel the need to call attention to where they said that the "enslaving of people is a totally natural part of human life."

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    I remember having to cram idioms back in school myself, or trying my best to carve all the verb forms into my brain. And still, even after years of studying, an accidental your instead of you’re slips out every once in a while.

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    The Oxford International Education Group pointed out that mixing these two homophones is one of the most common mistakes when it comes to English grammar. They fall into the same category of headaches together with the usage of modifiers, apostrophes, and other specifics of this colorful language.

    But whether you’re a native or not, making mistakes is inevitable. It was the poet Alexander Pope who said “to err is human” in the early 18th century, and it’s still as accurate now, if not even more so. 

    #6

    Salmon Vanilla

    Salmon Vanilla

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

    Getting a salmon vanilla cookie sounds worst than getting actual salmonella.

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    Nowadays, our language has been warped by the influence of technology and social media. Their rapid development constantly brings new words into our vocabulary. For example, the commonly used selfie, troll, and unfriend all came from the online world.

    Moreover, there’s an ever-growing list of acronyms on the internet as well. (Which, in my honest opinion, is getting difficult to keep up with.) In this fast-paced world, they allow us to save a couple seconds when writing, which we often spend scrolling online anyways, LOL

    In addition to the good old laughing out loud, you can often encounter such acronyms as TL;DR (too long; didn’t read), SMH (shaking my head), or G2G (got to go), just to name a few.

    #9

    Had To Confirm This Is Really What They Mean. Damsel In This Dress

    Had To Confirm This Is Really What They Mean. Damsel In This Dress

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    #11

    Going Into Cardigan Arrest

    Going Into Cardigan Arrest

    Scaulbylausis Report

    But the internet can be a double-edged sword. The same way it encourages us to use slang or forget all about grammar rules, it allows people to get better acquainted with the language and learn it faster. A 2014 survey revealed that 93% of people agree that the internet is useful for learning English.

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    It also comes in handy when you have no idea what a certain phrase means. A quick online search can help figure out why it’s called a catalytic converter (related to catalyst) rather than a Catholic converter or why taken aback might make more sense than taking a bath when it comes to someone’s indescribable beauty.

    #13

    Urethral

    Urethral

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

    Before Einstein's theories of warped time-space, ether was the proposed substance that communicated the force of gravity between objects in outer space. Hence, "ethereal" means having to do with celestial objects. Celestial, but mysterious.

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    #14

    Circumcise

    Circumcise

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

    When you work retail but your side hustle as a mohel sometimes interferes.

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    Such colorful expressions can benefit English users in multiple ways. “Idiomatic expressions act as a kind of shorthand, where you express a larger idea very compactly,” Dr. Costello pointed out. “While this also leads to using cliches, which I think limit language, they do express ideas more quickly, so they are useful that way.

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    “Also, because they usually are connected to a particular cultural context, a language learner gets a glimpse into a language's culture, which I think is important to truly mastering a language,” she added.

    #15

    Ankle Grinder

    Ankle Grinder

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    #16

    Blubbery Cheese Cake

    Blubbery Cheese Cake

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

    Truth in advertising. Cheesecake so good but cheesecake so fattening.

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    Britannica covered the etymology of some popular phrases in English in one of their articles. It revealed that saying to turn a blind eye could be traced back to a man using his blind eye for looking through a telescope, while the popular expression of feeling under the weather arguably relates to sailors hiding under the bow of the ship to hide from bad weather conditions when feeling ill.

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    #19

    Mitch Match Civil Where

    Mitch Match Civil Where

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

    What if your family is Walmart / trailer park kind of people and civil ware is just to classy for them? Got any drama ware or a special tea spilling kit?

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    #20

    Nip It In The Butt

    Nip It In The Butt

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    Some more examples, such as letting one’s hair down or giving a cold shoulder were explained by Grammarly. If taken quite literally, these expressions might throw someone off guard. (Especially if it’s a foreign language they’re trying to wrap their head around.)

    “Many of our idiomatic expressions have particular cultural context, which may be old or outdated, but explains why the expression makes sense. For a language learner, without the context, these phrases may not make sense, or a speaker may not know when to use it properly,” the expert told Bored Panda.

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    Both of the aforementioned examples are based on habitual actions in the past, which were exactly what the idioms say. Letting their hair down was something aristocratic women would do when they came home and could finally relax; while a shoulder of mutton, pork, or beef chop was given to a guest signaling it’s time for them to leave.

    #22

    Genius Aqua

    Genius Aqua

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    Such phrases can be a pain in the neck to learn. Even native speakers themselves are often confused by them, as you have likely noticed by now. But learning all of them is close to impossible, as there are arguably 25,000 idiomatic expressions in the English language.

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    Ph.D. in English and creative writing Dorisa Costello pointed out that for those who want to learn at least some of them, reading is a great way to do it. “One of the best ways to expand one's vocabulary is by reading. This is true for a native speaker or a language learner. Other media are helpful, too, especially for more natural inflection or colloquialisms.”

    #24

    A Pitta Me

    A Pitta Me

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

    This reminds me of a Brian Regan joke about how he pronounced hyperbole incorrectly until someone pointed it out. But it looks like it's hyperbowl.

    Paul Richards
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment has been deleted.

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    The same way learning the subtleties of English might be frustrating to non-native speakers, other languages present hoops for the native ones to jump through as well. However, Gallup revealed that a quarter of Americans can hold a conversation in a foreign language; most commonly Spanish. According to Babble, it’s the third easiest language for English speakers to learn, preceded only by Norwegian and Swedish.

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    #27

    "Looks Can Be A Little This Evening "

    "Looks Can Be A Little This Evening "

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    #28

    Jena Rated

    Jena Rated

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

    I don't really Karen how they are Jena Rated as long as they are Amber taining.

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    #29

    Air Ducks

    Air Ducks

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

    I’d recommend someone but he’s kind of a quack. He doesn’t have the proper duck-uments. You should probably wing it 🤷‍♀️ je ne sais quack!

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    If you want to continue getting acquainted with the etymology and usage of English sayings, click here to learn the history behind 66 commonly used ones or read about the phrases people are using incorrectly here. And if you think you’ve reached your daily limit with this language, browse 30 of people’s favorite non-English phrases and their literal meanings here.

    #30

    A Mere Marketplace Mear

    A Mere Marketplace Mear

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    #31

    Breakfast Nuke

    Breakfast Nuke

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

    You can even see the radiation shadows of the things that used to be on the table.

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    #33

    Entry Pioneer

    Entry Pioneer

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    #34

    Mow-Nourished

    Mow-Nourished

    shmabeog Report

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

    My parents would tell me about "starving kids in China" in order to get me to eat as a kid. Were they Mao-nourished? (I'm so sorry...)

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    #36

    Paper Machete

    Paper Machete

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

    As he raised his paper blade in a pointless attempt to deflect its metal counterpart, Henry realized too late that the message John had sent him contained a typo.

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    #37

    Delicious Hand Soup

    Delicious Hand Soup

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

    I'm thinking with the small nozzle it is likely just more of a broth.

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    #38

    Pheasant

    Pheasant

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

    It's true. A queen will never look at a pheasant, unless it's seasoned delicately, slow roasted over a cherry-wood fire, and served with fingerling potatoes.

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    #40

    Lonely Tennessee Melons Can’t Elope

    Lonely Tennessee Melons Can’t Elope

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    #41

    Living Life Bi-Curiously

    Living Life Bi-Curiously

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    #42

    Jack Off All Traits

    Jack Off All Traits

    PastelHarmony Report

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

    I've heard it called 'slaying the dragon'. Maybe that is where the sword comes in.

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    #43

    Like I'm At The Foreskin Of Everybody's Mind

    Like I'm At The Foreskin Of Everybody's Mind

    GroundbreakingSeat82 Report

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

    If you only knew bud. That's just the tip of how we feel about you.

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    #44

    Fire Distinguisher

    Fire Distinguisher

    joe-vee-wan Report

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

    Fire Distinguisher operating instructions: Beat the fire with this brass thing. If the flames beat down slightly it is a Class A (Solids). If burning liquid splatters on you it is Class B (Liquids) (or possibly Class F). If you miss entirely it is Class C (Gases). If it melts the brass thing it is Class D (Metals). If you get electrocuted it is an Electrical Fire. Once you have distinguished the type of fire, go get the appropriately classed modern fire extinguisher. (though it may now be too late so why not relax with a nice cup of Camel Meal tea.)

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    #45

    I Love All My Metals

    I Love All My Metals

    Foxically Report

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

    I'm pretty sure everyone had veins, not just skinny people who were once over weight. In fact, I'm positive.

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    #46

    Or Best Awful

    Or Best Awful

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    #48

    They Can't Handle My Cork Collection

    They Can't Handle My Cork Collection

    KataeaDream Report

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

    Sooooo.... you have a hard cork that takes a long time to handle? I'm guessing some folks charge extra for that.

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    #50

    A Soccer Punch

    A Soccer Punch

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

    You are not allowed to use your hands in soccer. Goal keeper can so maybe they are the one punching you.

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    #51

    Camel Meal Tea Is Good For You!

    Camel Meal Tea Is Good For You!

    Devbrostated Report

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

    "Have a cup of camel tea, do you take sugar?" "Yes, please" "One hump or two?"

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    #52

    Active God

    Active God

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

    How do you know if something was done by active God as opposed to passive God just letting it happen?

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    #53

    Pond Shop

    Pond Shop

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    #54

    “Spit And Image”

    “Spit And Image”

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

    In case you were wondering - origin below. I grew up hearing the phrase but never thought much about where it came from. --- The term 'spitting image' is an allusion to someone who is so like someone else as to appear to have been spat from his mouth. The concept and phrase were in circulation by 1689, when George Farquhar used it in his play Love and a Bottle: “Poor child! He's as like his own dada as if he were spit out of his mouth.”

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    #56

    Such A Beautiful Neckless

    Such A Beautiful Neckless

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    #59

    Ease Dropper

    Ease Dropper

    AgentOfMediocrity Report

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

    I really appreciate the people who learn from their mistakes instead of doubling down. Looking at you Mr chimp change

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    #60

    Be Safe. Ammonia Season Is Here

    Be Safe. Ammonia Season Is Here

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    #61

    They Went Instinct For A Reason

    They Went Instinct For A Reason

    struggle_bus_nation Report

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

    Two baby skunks were named In and Out. Whenever Out was in, In was out. One day, In didn't come home so Out went to look for him. Out brought In home very soon. Mama skunk asked, "How did you find him so quickly?" Out replied, "It was easy. In stinked!"

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    #62

    You’ve Gotta Watch Out For That Rabid Hole

    You’ve Gotta Watch Out For That Rabid Hole

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

    A BMW is a heck of a rabid hole. When I go down the rabid hole it's usually more like seeing how batteries or hats are made on youtube.

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    #63

    Gold Sequence Dress

    Gold Sequence Dress

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

    I ordered this dress. It never arrives... You just order it repeatedly

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    #66

    Cyst And Desist

    Cyst And Desist

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

    It's farther not further in this instance but I'm guessing you are immune to grammar nazis.

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    #67

    "Exhausted Fan" Must Get Tired Pretty Quickly

    "Exhausted Fan" Must Get Tired Pretty Quickly

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

    If you soap up all sexy like maybe you can turn on the exhausted fan during your shower

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    #68

    Jordan Snickers

    Jordan Snickers

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    #70

    I Finally Encountered A New One. Universe City

    I Finally Encountered A New One. Universe City

    1500sitalyman Report

    #72

    Any Nut Shall, Can’t Punch A Friend While She’s Already Down

    Any Nut Shall, Can’t Punch A Friend While She’s Already Down

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    #73

    Lawn Enforcement

    Lawn Enforcement

    alxmartin Report

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

    Sadly, if you think of it in terms of an HOA violation, the word "find" might be the only typo there.

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    #74

    Color Green

    Color Green

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    #75

    Gape Keeping

    Gape Keeping

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