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Do you often find yourself laughing at something inappropriate, morbid, controversial or offensive? Welcome to the dark side, my friend. It's an uncomfortable space where tragedy, irony and brutal honesty come together to create comedy gold.

Don't feel too guilty. We live in a world that can be cruel, overwhelming and unkind at the best of times - and sometimes the best way to cope is to make light of the situation. Plus, research has found that those with a penchant for dark humor are more intelligent than people who prefer their jokes timid and safe.

Instagram accounts Dark Humour and Dark Humor are the perfect places to laugh loudly in the shadows. They each have a wall of taboo posts that only certain people will get. Bored Panda has put together the best memes from the pages for you to scroll through while some of your friends, family or colleagues judge you for your sick sense of humor. Don't forget to upvote your favorites.

The next time someone gives you the side-eye for laughing at an inappropriate joke, refer them to this study. It found that those who have a sense of humor that lives in the depths of hell actually have high levels of intelligence.

The researchers from the Medical University of Vienna also found that people who appreciated dark humor tend to be less aggressive than those who prefer their jokes vanilla and safe.

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    156 participants took part in the study. 76 were female, while 80 were male. The group had mixed levels of education. Each participant's verbal intelligence levels were measured using a vocabulary test. Their nonverbal IQ scores were also measured, and their aggressiveness and mood states were assessed using two questionnaires.

    The participants were shown a set of 12 cartoons, taken from German artist Uli Stein’s The Black Book. The cartoons portray taboo topics that aren't often featured in conventional humor. The participants were then asked what they thought of the cartoons and whether they appreciated the jokes.

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    "The findings revealed that the participants fell into 3 distinct groupings," reports Psychologist World. "The first group was of average intelligence, with 'moderate' levels of aggression. They reported a moderate appreciation of black humor."

    The second group showed high levels of aggression and were rated as average in terms of both intelligence and their ability to comprehend the dark humor. This group didn't appreciate the humor as much as the other two.

    "The final group reported the highest appreciation of black humor," notes the site. "This group was found to have higher verbal and nonverbal intelligence levels, but had the lowest levels of aggression amongst the 3 groups."

    #7

    Jesus knocking on a door with dark humor meme text, illustrating humor with a touch of darkness.

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    Bill Swallow
    Community Member
    16 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You're not fooling anyone. You're a Land Shark.

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    #9

    Before and after photos with a dark humor meme about middle school and appearance in a social media post.

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    BrunoVI
    Community Member
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Because you might inspire them to disfigure themselves? -- wait, I was joking! Why was her head removed and surgically reattached? Or is that NOT a massive scar encircling her neck?

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    "The most surprising result,” said the research team, “is that subjects who show the highest values with respect to black humour preference and comprehension show high values with respect to intelligence, have higher education levels and show lowest values regarding mood disturbance and aggression."

    #10

    Woman in a cowboy hat hugging a confused horse with a leg disease, featured in dark humor hilarious memes.

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    2WheelTravlr
    Community Member
    16 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love the horsie side-eye. Even he knows this gal is ridiculous.

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    #11

    Vintage Battleship board game box with a dark humor meme about family fun and chores, perfect for dark humor fans.

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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    Premium
    16 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just as it should be. The womenfolk carrying out the domestic duties whilst watching in awe at the tactical genius of the superior males. Now if you will excuse me for a moment I am just being physically beaten by the feminists.

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    According to the Side Splitters Comedy team, there are a couple of reasons certain people find dark humor funny.

    They say that it allows us to deal with difficult subjects in a way that is light-hearted and easier to process. "This type of humor is often used to lighten the mood in an otherwise serious situation to help people cope and feel better about their situation," explains the site. "Dark humor can also be used to shock people into awkward laughter which in turn makes it easier for others to join the otherwise serious conversation without feeling pressured or attacked."

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    #15

    Hilarious dark humor meme featuring a cow with a funny tweet exchange about cows as friends, not food.

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    Bill Swallow
    Community Member
    16 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    PETA is so full of bullshiat I think they are friends with a whole dairy herd and keep them in their living room.

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    The comedians add that dark humor can also be used as a way to bond with others and create positive well-being. However, they warn that if you're thinking about using dark humor, you need to make sure you understand the context and the audience before proceeding with caution. And that's because unlike you, there are many people that find dark humor extremely offensive.

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    #16

    Side-by-side images of the Mystery Machine van and a plain white van with dark humor memes about childhood memory.

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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    Premium
    16 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I remember that second van! Remember kids, strangers have the best sweets!

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    #22

    Social media meme humor on privatizing air and paying bills with a touch of dark humor for meme enthusiasts.

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    Eastendbird
    Community Member
    15 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The British comedian and writer Ben Elton wrote a play about this scenario, it's called "Gasping".

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    #24

    Tokyo Olympics official resigning after dark humor controversy involving plus-size celebrity insult meme.

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    Bill Swallow
    Community Member
    16 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And this, boys and girls, is why we always keep Mr. Filter between our brains and mouths turned ON.

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    #28

    Person posing inside an open fridge and another person carrying a large fridge, dark humor meme for dark humor fans.

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    michael Chock
    Community Member
    9 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Considering fridges are airtight... see how hot the oven can get and of that will be hot enough.

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    #29

    Cartoon of a sad young man saying he's 5'7 while a girl says she doesn't date guys below 6ft, dark humor meme.

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    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    16 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, many guys below 6 feet are dead, after all.

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    #30

    Reddit post humorously questioning gender identity, followed by a ban message, reflecting dark humor memes and edgy joke culture.

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    Jaya
    Community Member
    14 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No. Just like saying you're homosexual doesn't mean that only people of the same gender as you exist.

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    #31

    Two religious men, one in white and one in black, seated and discussing contrasting divine instructions with dark humor.

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    Gordon
    Community Member
    15 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One would think that if you had 4 wives, drinking would be a requirement!

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    #32

    Two photos of a woman striking playful poses paired with dark humor memes about cancer and life, showcasing dark humor memes.

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    Ellinor she/they/elle
    Community Member
    15 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I remember when I first shaved my head, people at school asked me if I had cancer and they couldn't understand that I just did it because I liked it.

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    #33

    Meme showing a humorous dark joke about boys selling organs to buy a gaming PC, fitting dark humor memes.

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    Fenouille Fenouille
    Community Member
    Premium
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How many « sellable » organs does one have?

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    #34

    Maid making a hotel bed with dark humor meme about February 15th, fitting hilarious memes for dark humor fans.

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    2WheelTravlr
    Community Member
    16 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Please take longer than a moment of silence for all those working in hotel housekeeping. I honestly can't imagine all the disgusting things they have to deal with.

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    #35

    Three elves playfully grating a Mr. Potato Head toy on a kitchen counter in a dark humor meme scene.

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    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    16 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For a minute, it looked like the elves had kidnapped Steve Harvey. If so, they should know that they're going to have to pay his family quite a bit to get them to take Steve back.

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    #36

    Vintage photo meme showing men reacting humorously to pineapple being added to pizza, dark humor in comedy memes.

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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    Premium
    16 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And this the legend was born and people throughout the land did rejoice!

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    #37

    Man reacting dramatically to a hilarious dark humor meme about fat shaming, surrounded by cheering crowd outdoors.

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    Bill Swallow
    Community Member
    16 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ... and that's when I sat on him, Your Honor.

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    #39

    Woman looking shocked at phone screen beside a collage of Doge memes, reflecting dark humor and hilarious meme culture.

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    Bonesko
    Community Member
    14 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My boyfriend and I have been together for 14 years and both of our phones are like 90% pics of our cats and the rest miscellaneous and maybe a couple of pictures of each other

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    #40

    Cartoon character questioning Ant-Man's size and breathing, a dark humor meme reflecting hilarious meme style.

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    Karl der Große
    Community Member
    16 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I used to get upset that Clifford the Big Red Dog changed size picture to picture. Sometimes he was as a big as a house, other times about the size of a car. Now I realize it was just a fun series of books for kids, not a scientific treatise.

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    #42

    Text message meme with dark humor about distance, paired with an "OOF 100" reaction, showcasing hilarious memes with dark humor.

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    BeesEelsAndPups
    Community Member
    12 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    On average. Sometimes you can be only 91.4 million miles away. That's not so bad

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    #43

    Meme showing a man’s confused reactions while checking a computer, relating to dark humor memes.

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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    Premium
    16 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just hope he does not enter his credit card details.

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    #44

    Man with hand on forehead in a dark humor meme about discovering milk, fitting for hilarious memes with a touch of darkness.

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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    Premium
    16 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It was more awkward when they saw him trying to do the same to the bull.

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    #45

    Man in wheelchair facing an elevator door with a sign about taking the stairs, reflecting dark humor memes.

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    Panda McPandaface
    Community Member
    15 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know it's not relevant but that wheelchair looks a bit spectacular - I'd love to see the whole chair.

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    #46

    Tweet comparing social media censorship in China and the US, highlighting dark humor in political satire memes.

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    Bill Swallow
    Community Member
    16 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The US does not have a President, we have a rotting vegetable stinking up the Oval Office. The question is Why does anyone listen to it?

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    #48

    Funny dark humor meme showing a sign with drowning warning and a humorous "lol" symbol for those who enjoy dark humor memes.

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    Bonesko
    Community Member
    14 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "can you please stop laughing and tell me the emergency?"

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    #49

    Man in Spider-Man costume presenting a dark humor meme about respect on a large screen for hilarious memes fans.

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    Ellinor she/they/elle
    Community Member
    15 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm always nice at first, then I will treat you just like you treat me.

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    #50

    Woman wiping tears in front of zoo, illustrating dark humor meme about banned chimpanzee affair in Belgium.

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    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    15 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some kind of monkey business going on here. (Yes, I know chimps are apes, but work with me a little here, people.)

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    #51

    Compilation of dark humor memes showing contrast between Renault logos with pride colors and plain logos for Muslim countries.

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    BrunoVI
    Community Member
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Renault: standing up for inclusion only when it's profitable.

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    #52

    Man being humorously awarded a gold medal for posting about period pain and sufferings in dark humor memes.

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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    Premium
    16 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I support you through your monthly pain, I stand with you women of BP.

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    #55

    Empty room representing the British Royal Museum after giving back everything, a dark humor meme for fans of dark humor.

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    Floeckchen
    Community Member
    13 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    why does the picture smells of cold smoke, sweat and wet carpet?

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    #56

    Man looks in a mirror with dark humor meme about love and illness, fitting dark humor memes for fans of edgy humor.

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    Floeckchen
    Community Member
    13 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "...and their heart grew three sizes that day..."

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    #57

    Funny meme asking people to post a picture of their credit card to plant a tree, humor with a touch of darkness.

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    Bonesko
    Community Member
    14 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My card has been declined. But I'd still like a a tree

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    #59

    Meme featuring Greta Thunberg with a playful caption, reflecting dark humor and hilarious meme culture.

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    BrunoVI
    Community Member
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She didn't say she was Lebanese, you d!psh!+

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    #62

    Man sitting behind a table full of money, illustrating dark humor memes about small gains in cryptocurrency value.

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    keyboardtek
    Community Member
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    More like pastor of a church counting the weekly collection to see if he can afford that new Lexus.

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    #66

    Cartoon characters and a man reacting in a dark humor meme, illustrating hilarious memes with a touch of darkness.

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    Mike F
    Community Member
    13 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So people will pry and ask stupid questions.

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    #68

    Screenshot of a news headline about a student smuggling memes and a shocked cartoon duck, reflecting dark humor memes.

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    Skogsrået
    Community Member
    Premium
    4 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think this is from 2019? Still can't belive how many people thought this was actually real, dissing Sweden and praising the USA as the land of the free and free speach. How do you like that freedom now?

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    #72

    Meme showing a funny dark humor moment with a cartoon frog throwing a sandal as ice cream substitute.

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    Ye Olde Dirty Grumpy
    Community Member
    15 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    George Lopez has the freezer frost as ice cream at home joke. Can confirm

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    #73

    Teen girl with a serious expression taking a mirror selfie showing her pregnancy, illustrating dark humor meme content.

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    Bill Swallow
    Community Member
    16 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ... Think ya got that just backwards there, Chief.

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    #75

    Young man in glasses sitting at a table with meme text, humorous content with a touch of darkness in a pink-lit room.

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    2WheelTravlr
    Community Member
    16 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, please! I'd rather explore than be just an object to fantasize about.

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