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We all make fools out of ourselves every now and then. Nobody is safe from that unwelcome sense of anxiety once you realized the thing you just said makes zero sense. But things that leave your mouth, whether IRL or online, do stay there, oftentimes forever.

And there’s a whole corner of Reddit, r/S***AmericansSay, dedicated entirely to the mission of collecting the stupidest, funniest, and sometimes embarrassing cases of people being so convinced they know better when they couldn’t be further away from the truth.

So let’s ready ourselves for the ensued hilarity, ‘cause we are about to have a fair share of it, trust me.

#2

“Who Was The First Country On Planet Earth To Ban Slavery? That’s Right, America”

“Who Was The First Country On Planet Earth To Ban Slavery? That’s Right, America”

Aironwood Report

There’s an abundance of scientific evidence that shows humans are poor judges of their own abilities, whether it’s their sense of humor or grammar. In fact, psychologists believe that we are more blind to our own failings than we realize. This idea comes from the 1999 study in which David Dunning and Justin Kruger from Cornell University, New York, tested if people who lack skills and abilities are also more likely to lack awareness of their lack of ability.

#3

You're On The Internet, Which Is American

You're On The Internet, Which Is American

Nulligravida Report

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

The internet has helped us see how much of a total s**t show the USA is... they can't hide behind the propaganda machine we call movies

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The results of the tests led the authors to the interpretation that accurately assessing one's skill level relies on some of the same core abilities as actually performing that skill. It led them to the conclusion that the least competent maybe suffering a double deficit.

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#6

Well Allocated Funds

Well Allocated Funds

lNoahl Report

“Not only are they incompetent, but they lack the mental tools to judge their own incompetence,” Kruger and Dunning thought. During the course of four individual tests run on participants, the scientists discovered that “People who scored in the lowest percentiles on tests of grammar, humor, and logic also tended to dramatically overestimate how well they had performed (their actual test scores placed them in the 12th percentile, but they estimated that their performance placed them in the 62nd percentile).”

#7

Pridemonth

Pridemonth

unknown Report

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

Homosexuality is illegal in Liberia. Maybe it was deliberate? *reaching*

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#8

'People Who Leave Their Phones Set To Military Time Are War Criminals'

'People Who Leave Their Phones Set To Military Time Are War Criminals'

reddit.com Report

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

I was older than I would EVER care to publicly admit when I learned that “military time” I often heard referred was not some secret, complicated way of working out the time you’re only privy to having served in the army but simply the reading of a 24 hour clock.

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Dunning shared his impressions in an article for Pacific Standard: "In many cases, incompetence does not leave people disoriented, perplexed, or cautious. Instead, the incompetent are often blessed with an inappropriate confidence, buoyed by something that feels to them like knowledge." The phenomenon is known as the Dunning-Kruger Effect and most of us have surely encountered numerous cases of it in real life.

#9

Go To Panama, This Is America

Go To Panama, This Is America

Pontoisien Report

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

I would be tempted to argue that THIS is the virtual, borderless world....

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#11

“More People Use Imperial Than Metric”

“More People Use Imperial Than Metric”

Corporal-Porpoise Report

#13

People Engaging Me In German Because I Look German

People Engaging Me In German Because I Look German

Mr_-_X Report

#15

Where Does It Say In The Constitution Or Any Of The Amendments That Eating Is A Human Right?

Where Does It Say In The Constitution Or Any Of The Amendments That Eating Is A Human Right?

Liam_Noble Report

#16

"More People Know About Our Smallest State Vermont Then The Amsterdam"

"More People Know About Our Smallest State Vermont Then The Amsterdam"

Particular_Edge2308 Report

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

"SHUT UP ! DON'T PROVE ME WRONG YOU FILTHY INFERIOR FOREIGNER!!!!!"

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#17

“We Will Never Rewrite The Constitution”

“We Will Never Rewrite The Constitution”

reddit.com Report

#18

Your Haircuts Are Un-American

Your Haircuts Are Un-American

3Squareheadz Report

#20

Hmmmmmmm

Hmmmmmmm

Classic-CJ Report

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

Sure, just like "america" celebrates other countries' independence day 🙄

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#21

Why Is Munich Spelled "München" On Signs In Germany?

Why Is Munich Spelled "München" On Signs In Germany?

Merlin428bretz Report

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

Munich citizen here. I can confirm that we do, in fact, write signs in our own language. We are crazy people!

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#22

“...your Hip Would Break Because Their Medical Staff Is Garage...”

“...your Hip Would Break Because Their Medical Staff Is Garage...”

ThatMusicKid Report

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

I know people who have travelled to other countries to get medical/dental care because the air fair and other expenses plus cost of treatment were cheaper than in US. It is literally true.

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#23

Do You Guys Have Refrigerators?

Do You Guys Have Refrigerators?

anotherwankusername Report

#24

"Offended By Our Patriotism, Wattpad Girl?"

"Offended By Our Patriotism, Wattpad Girl?"

KWAKUDATSU Report

#25

The Titanic Is Just A Movie, Right?

The Titanic Is Just A Movie, Right?

unknown Report

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

Canadians also think Star Wars was completely made up so I wouldn’t worry too much about what they think.

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#27

“I Am In Rhode Island”. “Nice, Ever Been To The USA Before”?

“I Am In Rhode Island”. “Nice, Ever Been To The USA Before”?

reddit.com Report

#28

Biden's America

Biden's America

unknown Report

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

*Random person falls down in Greece* “Biden’s America”.

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#29

"At Least American Toilets Aren't Just Holes In The Ground"

"At Least American Toilets Aren't Just Holes In The Ground"

RogueArtemis Report

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

Doesn't Angel Merkel just pee in the Spree ? Doesn't the queen's butler empty her chamber pot in the Thames every morning ?

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#30

What Does He Care? He's Not A Us Citizen, He's Not Effected

What Does He Care? He's Not A Us Citizen, He's Not Effected

sandiercy Report

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

I didn’t realise that the US was global, oh wait, they do have the World Series which only the US plays in. so I guess it makes sense lol.

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#31

Would Love To See Some Of These Countries Try To F With Us

Would Love To See Some Of These Countries Try To F With Us

louckak Report

#32

“The White House Is Bigger Than All The Countries You Named”

“The White House Is Bigger Than All The Countries You Named”

theelleintraveller Report

#33

"I'd Rather Receive False Information..."

"I'd Rather Receive False Information..."

Theemuts Report

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person (i think)
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is why I’m thinking of getting out. The only thing holding me back is I would miss my family :(

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

Spoken like a true MAGAt. This person is a bona fide member of the Idiocracy.

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

"Then"? So this person will eventually receive true information. There is hope.

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

will receive it and reject it as a lie immediately if it doesn't align with his twisted view of reality

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

So you would then follow a socialistic agenda after receiving the true info?

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

Your wish has been granted. Now go live a perfectly conservative lie.

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

This is related to "I'd rather be happy than right" right?

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

That does help explain why certain inept and immoral men have such a loyal following.

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

And that is why we are the way we are here - rather hear a pleasant lie than an uncomfortable truth - the more uncomfortable, the more they defend the lies.

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

Wow... Talk about the proverbial ostrich with its head buried in the sand... (and the butt up in the air)

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

that is one of the main things so scary here -- the complete and total locked in stupidity of so many GOP voters..

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

That's a true Tory. I'm alright, Jack... don't try to make me care about anyone else!

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

People who are not only aware of but proud of their ignorance and delusions shouldn’t breed or hold office.

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

Well... if they really meant "then" I have no issue with this statement. Unfortunately...

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Gata Nick
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

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

So... they get the truth that there is hunger and death by neglect, but it's OK because at least we are not a socialist nation? Somebody a) does not understand what socialism is and b) has never been hungry or abused, and c) doesn't care a rat's ass about anyone else and d) prefers a lie to the truth. Wow. What a great nation we are, right?

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

99% of the time it's the other way around, but you won't find that on Bored Panda.

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

Why not just follow a reasonable agenda? Without even weighing in if something's seen as socialist or conservative or whatever.

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

I too don't want a 'socialistic agenda.' I prefer staying in to going out...

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

so "i'd rather be lied to so i can be controlled than be told the truth and make my own decisions " seems intelligent

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

Sounds about right for USA. Even after 4yrs of Trump. Goddamn thats terrifying to see, but true nonetheless

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

This mixture of sheer stupidity and doublethink makes me feel dizzy. It's like trying to understand hadrons, or string theory.

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

never let facts, data, science, ethis, evidence or history get between an Americans belief

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Don't Look
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I whole heartedly believe this quote. From, like, everyone who bothers to say it.

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brukernavn340
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I see no problem here. S/he'll get the false information first, then the true information.

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

Wow. If that's not said in jest.... that's depressing.

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Cip IESAN
Community Member
3 years ago

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Socialist true information? Makes me lough! Sounds like "Stalinism democracy"!

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Truth Monster
Community Member
3 years ago

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Yeah, no one says this. This is a strawman post to lampoon conservatives.

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

Go read some boomer USA facebook. You are fooling yourself if you think people don't actually say this. You seem to be just as ignorant as the original poster.

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Ryan Deschanel
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3 years ago

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Funny... In Europe, it is the opposite situation.

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#35

Commie Divas

Commie Divas

Gerceval_ Report

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

Ugh, this doesn't belong here. "Soccer" is a British word. Yes, the Americans took it and ran with it (no pun intended), but it originated in Oxford in about 1890. Americans didn't invent it.

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#36

(Sad) Mistake A North Korean Flag For A Texan Flag

(Sad) Mistake A North Korean Flag For A Texan Flag

GriffinFTW Report

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

Plot twist: they're holding a sign denouncing Kim Jong-un.

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#37

But We Can Pock Whatever Doctor Or Healthcare Insurer We Want! We Win

But We Can Pock Whatever Doctor Or Healthcare Insurer We Want! We Win

Mr_-_X Report

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

We can pick whatever doctor or hospital we want to be in debt to for the rest of our lives!

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#38

“They Started Faking An Accent”

“They Started Faking An Accent”

ArkhamKnight342 Report

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troufaki13
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some people believe that the Earth is 2000 years old. This one thinks it's 200 yo apparently

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#39

"[...]although My Ancestry Dna Gives Me Zero Italian Dna On My Dad's Side, I'll Stick With Being 1/4 Italian!"

"[...]although My Ancestry Dna Gives Me Zero Italian Dna On My Dad's Side, I'll Stick With Being 1/4 Italian!"

azulhombre Report

#40

"It's Amazing To See How Few Countries Know That "Soccer" Is The Correct Term"

"It's Amazing To See How Few Countries Know That "Soccer" Is The Correct Term"

Andros1510Ro Report

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#42

Is Mediterranean A Slur To Italians?

Is Mediterranean A Slur To Italians?

big-black-ramarro Report

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

I’m actually going to start using this! “Ugh, you’re *so* Mediterranean”.

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#43

Are We Acting Like That's Not Possible?

Are We Acting Like That's Not Possible?

DoUEvenCloudDistrict Report

#44

"American Deaths Are Worth More"

"American Deaths Are Worth More"

zzvu Report

#45

European Countries Don't Have Elections As They Are Too Poor To Pay For The Patent Rights

European Countries Don't Have Elections As They Are Too Poor To Pay For The Patent Rights

StrammerMax Report

#46

Wait Other Countries Didn't Have To Sing Their National Anthem Everyday At School For 12 Years???

Wait Other Countries Didn't Have To Sing Their National Anthem Everyday At School For 12 Years???

reddit.com Report

#47

The Real Heros Are The Ones Who Served The Us Military

The Real Heros Are The Ones Who Served The Us Military

A_Cat_Named_Frank Report

#50

My Ancestors Are American And They Came From America

My Ancestors Are American And They Came From America

reddit.com Report

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

Maybe they are a 100% pure native american with a French surname and the Quebec province is a myth ? No. Definitely not. They are just an ignorant idiot.

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#51

Europe Is A Country

Europe Is A Country

unknown Report

Note: this post originally had 80 images. It’s been shortened to the top 51 images based on user votes.