ADVERTISEMENT

Some days, you can’t help but feel that the universe not only works in mysterious ways but also has a great sense of humor. Believing that people will act a certain way or signs will commit to what they are saying, you often don’t expect they’ll do the exact opposite. And that’s what makes it so ludicrous.

The world is full of unpredicted things, you just have to keep your eyes open. From manually cleaning an iRobot store to humorous health inspection awards, people who stumbled upon something so accidentally ironic just had to take a picture and share it with the whole web.

Bored Panda has scoured the internet and compiled a list of some of the finest ironic moments for you to enjoy. So get ready to have a good laugh and upvote your favorite ones! And if you’re hungry for some more hilarious situations, be sure to check out our previous posts right here and here.

#1

Shell And Cif, The Destroyers Of Planets, Eliminators Of Lifeforms

Shell And Cif, The Destroyers Of Planets, Eliminators Of Lifeforms

reddit.com Report

Everyone loves a delicious bit of irony from time to time. When we stumble upon these unexpected moments, they get easily stuck in our heads—after all, we know irony when we see it. But when it comes to defining the term and expressing it with words, many people have difficulties.

The most basic definition of this term is a conflict between what’s expected and what occurs. To learn more about irony and its humorous nature, we reached out to Roger J. Kreuz, Ph.D., a professor of psychology and an associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Memphis.

In his recent book, Irony and Sarcasm, Kreuz goes into great detail in explaining how and why these words “are two of the most misused, misapplied, and misunderstood words in our conversational lexicon.”

#5

This Is How We Roll In My Town

This Is How We Roll In My Town

GreyFoxNinjaFan Report

ADVERTISEMENT

While many of us instinctively understand when a situation is ironic, it can be hard to articulate it. The professor said that the reason behind this is that “the perception of irony is triggered by violations of implicit assumptions that we have about the world and how it is supposed to work.” 

“In most cases, we aren’t even aware of these assumptions until we encounter something incongruous or peculiar that contradicts our expectations,” he added. Kreuz provided a couple of examples: 

  • You encounter a sign with a misspelling in front of a store. Not a big deal – mistakes happen. Not irony.
  • You see a sign in front of a school. Many schools have such signs, so nothing surprising about that. Not irony.
  • You see a sign in front of a school that reads “We are committed to excellense.” Educators are supposed to know how to spell, so the juxtaposition of the message, the mistake, and its very public location triggers a sense of irony.
#7

What If?

What If?

profshiny Report

Add photo comments
POST
hongjh2017 avatar
Tabby_Sohee
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m sorry, but this is inconsiderate. Many people who state their religion as an excuse and do horrible things are indeed Christian, but it’s not a religion-based thing, every religion has those kinds of psychos. Christianity does not deserve to be put down like this and be called a lie; calling someone’s beliefs and integrity a lie is not the way to building equality between religions and cultures. Please, let’s try to accept other cultures instead of bashing down the ones of others.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Pharmacy Puts Their Back Pain Stuff On The Bottom Shelf

Pharmacy Puts Their Back Pain Stuff On The Bottom Shelf

LaLongueCarabine Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#10

Handle Broke

Handle Broke

Simpsii Report

“In a similar way, a destroyed book is not ironic, and a book about dog training isn’t either,” the professor continued. But if you juxtapose them and see Dog Training for Dummies being destroyed by your furry four-legged friend: “Voilà, irony!”

One thing that many people tend to mix up is verbal irony and sarcasm. These two words often are used interchangeably, yet they’re not the same. “Irony is often triggered by situations and involves incongruity, juxtaposition, and unexpectedness. Sarcasm, on the other hand, is typically verbal,” Kreuz told Bored Panda. 

“It often makes use of irony to criticize someone else, or to be humorous. But not all sarcasm involves irony, which is why people are often confused about these terms.”

#11

Things Have Gone Wrong Somewhere

Things Have Gone Wrong Somewhere

imgur.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
mailboxjudit avatar
Lousha
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This might look funny but only 50 percent went wrong, if that. I will say that dogs should not be in strollers and shouldn't be bred to the point where they are not dogs anymore. But kids on a leash - that is a good thing! It makes the outings much safer. Such small kids, even if very well behaved and disciplined don't yet have a brain yet that can compute consequences. The world is fast and dangerous. The leash can make sure they never disappear on you when for 2 seconds you're looking at what the other one is doing, and can't run ahead enough to be hit by a car. I used to be a nanny and I refused to take the 3 year old out until I was given one of these. I was still holding her hand and she was a very good little lady, but it made me feel safer to know that she can't just dart out on a whim as we're crossing a million roads to school.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#13

Found This Old Apple Slogan. Times Sure Have Changed

Found This Old Apple Slogan. Times Sure Have Changed

Skelten Report

And talking about why many of us find it comical when we come across an ironic sign, poster, or image, Kreuz mentioned that we think it’s amusing because it’s almost like solving a puzzle. “When we spot the incongruity, we can be amused, and then perhaps consider ourselves to be a little superior compared to those who don’t ’get the joke.’”

ADVERTISEMENT

Looking through this list, you can’t help but feel reminded to expect the unexpected and chuckle at the ups and downs of life. After all, ironic billboards, posters, and situations are lurking all around us, just waiting to be captured and shared with people in great need of a laugh or two.

#14

Dog Came To The Vet Today For Swallowing A Monopoly Piece

Dog Came To The Vet Today For Swallowing A Monopoly Piece

reddit.com Report

#15

This Subway Is Telling People To Eat Next Door

This Subway Is Telling People To Eat Next Door

giga Report

#18

Noticed Our Stroller Felt A Little Weird, Found Out There’s A Pin Stuck In The Tire. The Pin Is Very Ironic

Noticed Our Stroller Felt A Little Weird, Found Out There’s A Pin Stuck In The Tire. The Pin Is Very Ironic

mfergs Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#24

There Was An Attempt To Stop The Seagulls

There Was An Attempt To Stop The Seagulls

Noah_Yoos Report

#25

Nestled Away In A Small Local Newspaper Is The Greatest And Most Ironic Ad Ever

Nestled Away In A Small Local Newspaper Is The Greatest And Most Ironic Ad Ever

fowleryo Report

#26

Took This After Lunch At The Restaurant. At Least The Irony Is Delicious

Took This After Lunch At The Restaurant. At Least The Irony Is Delicious

sndebrosse Report

#28

A Machine Came Thru My Local John Deere For Repairs From The Tornado In Kentucky

A Machine Came Thru My Local John Deere For Repairs From The Tornado In Kentucky

dottiemcfierceon Report

#30

We Always Get Each Other Ironic Gifts, My Little Sister Killed It This Year: Batteries Not Included

We Always Get Each Other Ironic Gifts, My Little Sister Killed It This Year: Batteries Not Included

341913 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#32

For Christmas 2019, My Boss Gifted Us With 1 Work From Home Day In 2020

For Christmas 2019, My Boss Gifted Us With 1 Work From Home Day In 2020

-edna__mode- Report

#34

Well Isn’t That Ironic

Well Isn’t That Ironic

Dr_Spice_ Report

Add photo comments
POST
baconycakes1337 avatar
Bacony Cakes
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

*puts these in my printer, runs out of magenta immediately, buys new of these, print heads are misaligned, i waste all the cyan doing the test thing, i buy more of these, they're incompatible because they have drm somehow, i give up and throw my printer into an active volcano*

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

“This Is Not Style. This Is Stupidity”

“This Is Not Style. This Is Stupidity”

qazwsx963 Report

Add photo comments
POST
pietermarkey avatar
Mr Red
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine waking up in the morning, take a shower, have some coffee and get to your car to go shopping... then running back in and shouting to your husband: I almost forgot my sign, silly me!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#38

He Knew It Would Come To This One Day

He Knew It Would Come To This One Day

veeduber Report

#39

This A Little Infuriating Exchange On A Dating App

This A Little Infuriating Exchange On A Dating App

EmperorBinks Report

#42

Picking Up Plastic On The Beach Today... The Irony

Picking Up Plastic On The Beach Today... The Irony

NorthSuperior Report

#43

Our Youngest Son Has A Taste For Irony

Our Youngest Son Has A Taste For Irony

blight231 Report

#44

Breakable

Breakable

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
askrivan avatar
80 Van
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m surprised this didn’t happen more often with the DVD’s being in a paper sleeve going through the mail system.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#45

Goddammit

Goddammit

jamydodger Report

#47

Irony

Irony

tricky3737 Report

Add photo comments
POST
troux avatar
Troux
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When they let you give your own performance evaluations at work.

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

There Was Flooding Where I Live Recently. Ironic

There Was Flooding Where I Live Recently. Ironic

SillyNoodle7 Report

#49

The Irony Here Is Amazing. Never Tell Me The Odds

The Irony Here Is Amazing. Never Tell Me The Odds

ARF_Trooper_ Report

Add photo comments
POST
warrierchithra avatar
lindacowley avatar
Auntriarch
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember an averagely pleasant looking woman saying she used to be Miss England. My 9 year old face must have been broadcasting doubt, because she clarified that it was her maiden name

idcforreal1337 avatar
Béla Kun
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I work in the field of nuclear medicine and I have a college who's last name is radiation in my language

sanchorb avatar
LSR
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tell me that the sign is on front of the glass and not beneath it..."(blind person) Damn, I cannot read anything in this sign!"

minimaus avatar
MiniMaus
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We had a German teacher in Grade 12.. His name was Herr Herr.

16amf270406 avatar
Atchaco-Leigh
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a friend with a surname English, I also had another friend whos name was England

blbrightonoswin_1 avatar
Brian Bennett
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why isn't Mr. English's name in brail - implying the blind have no sense of humor or they are to smart to fall for this?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#51

This Truck In Front Of Me Had A Decal That Said "Sasquatch Research Society". Ironically I Could Only Get This Blurry Photo That Doesn't Prove Anything

This Truck In Front Of Me Had A Decal That Said "Sasquatch Research Society". Ironically I Could Only Get This Blurry Photo That Doesn't Prove Anything

Mick0331 Report

#52

Mixed Messages In Elk City

Mixed Messages In Elk City

Burbada Report

#53

Saw This In A Parking Lot. The Irony Almost Hurts

Saw This In A Parking Lot. The Irony Almost Hurts

reddit.com Report

#54

Finally A Hand Dryer That Works Properly

Finally A Hand Dryer That Works Properly

mlietzau366 Report

Add photo comments
POST
manusal avatar
El muerto
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this are bacterial feeding centers. think they have been put out of commission everywhere due to pandemic

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#56

It Always Seems I'm Doing Something Wrong With My Life

It Always Seems I'm Doing Something Wrong With My Life

reddit.com Report

#57

Beware Of Loose Gravel

Beware Of Loose Gravel

algoritham Report

#58

Seems Like A Legit Place To Get A Job

Seems Like A Legit Place To Get A Job

Azor_a-hole Report

Add photo comments
POST
suehazlewood avatar
Sue Hazlewood
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

An animal boarding establishment near me just advertised for staff and a few days later the place is on the market.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#61

Hopefully, They Get Someone Else To Do The Job Next Time

Hopefully, They Get Someone Else To Do The Job Next Time

artoink Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#63

A Display Of Human Decency In NYC

A Display Of Human Decency In NYC

theREALpdpmiata Report

#65

Hmmm

Hmmm

beewulfsun Report

#66

The Definition Of Irony: My Neighbor's Smoke Alarm Spontaneously Burst Into Flames

The Definition Of Irony: My Neighbor's Smoke Alarm Spontaneously Burst Into Flames

reddit.com Report

#68

Irony At It's Finest

Irony At It's Finest

CerealKiller007 Report

#69

Well, That's Ironic

Well, That's Ironic

Hugh_Schmefner Report

#71

(Dead End)

(Dead End)

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
adiiantryx avatar
adiiantryx
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

'I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.'

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#72

Now Where Did I Leave That Sun Screen

Now Where Did I Leave That Sun Screen

MyMotherWasAPikachu Report

Add photo comments
POST
karlameixnerov avatar
karla Meixnerová
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Put it in the cart. I am interested, if you will be charged 7.95 or if you will be able to smuggle it through :D

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#74

Facts. Who Needs Scoohl

Facts. Who Needs Scoohl

mrking604 Report

#76

The Irony

The Irony

nolanator Report

#78

Accepting Resume

Accepting Resume

LindaThompson Report

Add photo comments
POST
blbrightonoswin_1 avatar
Brian Bennett
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please place in our convenient circular file. you will be notified by snail mail!

View more commentsArrow down menu
#79

Found In The Book Section Of A Thrift Store

Found In The Book Section Of A Thrift Store

KelownaKid Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#84

This Is What Inequality Looks Like In My Country

This Is What Inequality Looks Like In My Country

gurupistol Report

Add photo comments
POST
carolyngerbrands avatar
Caro Caro
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is what inequality looks like in every single country! I've seen homeless people sleeping in front of high-end boutiques and people just step over them as if they are a pile or rags. FU*K.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#85

This Sign Has All Of The Irony

This Sign Has All Of The Irony

vvcodyvv Report

#88

At Night The Otherwise Harmless Brodie Foodmart Turns Evil

At Night The Otherwise Harmless Brodie Foodmart Turns Evil

TheCussingEdge Report

#89

Plastic Plants That Are Unaware Of Their Own Limitations

Plastic Plants That Are Unaware Of Their Own Limitations

MW_Doodles Report

#90

This Sign, Just Disobeying Itself

This Sign, Just Disobeying Itself

WalkoffStrikeout Report

#91

Brake Fail Probably

Brake Fail Probably

NICK ENOCH Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#92

Working Together. Of Women. The Power

Working Together. Of Women. The Power

UsernameCanBeThisLon Report

#94

Birds May Bite

Birds May Bite

kBotz15 Report

#96

He Knows More

He Knows More

kenolin1 Report

Add photo comments
POST
yvonnedauwalderbalsiger avatar
Yvonne Dauwalder Balsiger
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Come on, that dude made a joke sign to make fun of the anti-vaxxers behind him. On the other side on his sign is written: I demand my right to be ignarant and selfish!! https://toronto.citynews.ca/2021/09/13/counter-demonstrator-uses-satire-in-support-of-science-at-hospital-protests/amp/

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#97

Oh The Irony

Oh The Irony

yulisa9854 Report

Add photo comments
POST
aninec avatar
Anine C
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Poor marketing. Lose the pan, make the broom black, use Sabrina and her black cat on packaging. Every little girl would want one.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#98

Tree Of Life. That Sucks

Tree Of Life. That Sucks

colonialnerd Report

#100

This Highway Marker Always Gets Me When I Pass It

This Highway Marker Always Gets Me When I Pass It

Willplayspiano Report

Add photo comments
POST
warrierchithra avatar
Artsy Bookworm
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Welcome to the Devil's Lair! Come on in for a Bloody Martini and an entertainment show of the most disturbing tortures ever! All hosted by Lucifer, the one and only! Don't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity! Remember to recommend to your friends and family before dying!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#101

I'm Hypocritical

I'm Hypocritical

yohiyoyo Report

Add photo comments
POST
askrivan avatar
80 Van
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s not hypocritical. It doesn’t say, “Safety starts with me.” If anything, it’s passive-aggressive.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#104

Well It Isn’t A Pub Anymore Then, Is It?

Well It Isn’t A Pub Anymore Then, Is It?

Minister-Muffin Report

#105

She Dressed Herself, It's Definitely Backward

She Dressed Herself, It's Definitely Backward

ImOKatSomeThings Report

#107

This Looks Like Something From A Monty Python Film (Found In Montevideo, Uruguay)

This Looks Like Something From A Monty Python Film (Found In Montevideo, Uruguay)

madidus1 Report

#108

Got Into A Car Crash While I Was In The Passenger’s Seat, The First Thing I See When I Get Out The Car Is Amelia Earhart’s Quote

Got Into A Car Crash While I Was In The Passenger’s Seat, The First Thing I See When I Get Out The Car Is Amelia Earhart’s Quote

svbmariner Report

#110

Saw This While Getting Of A Plane In Munich. The Irony

Saw This While Getting Of A Plane In Munich. The Irony

This book's title is "The Forgotten"

Munk86 Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#113

Spelling Optional

Spelling Optional

SmartLumens Report

#114

Saw This On My Brother’s Quad. Do Decals Count?

Saw This On My Brother’s Quad. Do Decals Count?

redbirdrising Report

#116

I Got This As My Fortune Few Days After I Got Diagnosed With Alopecia Areata (Bald Spots)

I Got This As My Fortune Few Days After I Got Diagnosed With Alopecia Areata (Bald Spots)

btstonymontana Report

Add photo comments
POST
warrierchithra avatar
Artsy Bookworm
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The moment you realise the whole world is in a scheme to make you look like a fool...

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#118

So My Coworker Dropped His Mug... The Irony Wasn't Lost On Him

So My Coworker Dropped His Mug... The Irony Wasn't Lost On Him

flyingpotato Report

Add photo comments
POST
bp_10 avatar
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Apparently it is. That's why I hate all the fools saying "..... is not an option."

View more commentsArrow down menu
#120

My Wife Left The Sunscreen Out Last Weekend

My Wife Left The Sunscreen Out Last Weekend

msmouse05 Report