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If it sounds stupid, looks stupid, quacks like stupid, but also (kinda) works, is it still stupid? The jury’s still out on this one. What we know for sure is that in the world of life hacks, even the weirdest ideas can still have merit. All it takes is a bit of creativity and the willingness to stick a broken key into a potato to make a new grip. Genius and madness are often two sides of the same coin, after all.

Our team over here at Bored Panda wanted to share some of that peculiar worldly wisdom with you, so we’ve compiled this list of the most bizarre life hacks that (sorta, kinda, surprisingly) work. Scroll on down and remember to upvote the ones that impressed you the most, as well as the ones that got you giggling so hard, you had to take a five-minute break. Got a particular fave hack that you can’t wait to share with all of your friends semi-seriously? Let us know which one it was in the comments.

Who better to help navigate the world of silliness than a comedian? Comedy writer and musical stand-up comedian Ariane Sherine put an end to the age-old discussion about whether or not something's dumb if it works. "It’s actually very smart, and it’s a shame if people don’t use it through fear of looking dumb!" she told Bored Panda. Read on for the rest of our interview with Ariane.

In the mood for some more hacks and even more laughs to boost your mood? You’ll find our earlier posts about silly but functional life hacks over here and right here. Bon appétit.

British comedian Ariane explained that human beings tend to look down on ideas that sound dumb on a theoretical level because we want to appear much more intelligent than we might actually be. It's all to do with our (perceived) reputations!

"Everybody wants to think they’re smart (even if they’re actually Donald Trump!) and people hate feeling stupid or being duped. If a piece of advice doesn’t sound helpful, I guess people who see themselves as clever will automatically reject it rather than try it and risk feeling dumb," she shared with Bored Panda.

#5

If It's Stupid And It Works It's Not Stupid

If It's Stupid And It Works It's Not Stupid

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#6

My Dad Apparently Sneaks His Remote Into A Local Bar So He Can Change The Channel When He Doesn’t Like What’s On. I’m Equally Embarrassed And Impressed

My Dad Apparently Sneaks His Remote Into A Local Bar So He Can Change The Channel When He Doesn’t Like What’s On. I’m Equally Embarrassed And Impressed

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Meanwhile, Ariane, just like us, is a huge fan of avocados. Not surprisingly, her favorite life hack has to do with them and how they have an "inbult ripeness sensor" that lets you tell if the avocado is overripe or still green (yes, yes, they're always green, but you know what we mean!).

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"You know how hard it is to tell whether an avocado’s ripe before cutting into it? Simply twist the stem. If it doesn’t come off, it’s underripe; if it comes off and is green underneath, it’s ripe; if it’s brown underneath, it’s overripe. Voila—no more rock hard or mushy grey avocados!" she shared, adding that she has, just us, found that supermarkets promoting 'ripe' avocados tend to lie about just how ripe they really are.

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#9

If You Stain A Shirt, You Can Simply Outline The Stain With A Sharpie And Give It A Name. This Will Make It Seam Like You Visit Islands

If You Stain A Shirt, You Can Simply Outline The Stain With A Sharpie And Give It A Name. This Will Make It Seam Like You Visit Islands

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Life hacks come in all shapes and sizes. From tiny modifications to how you go about your day for increased efficiency to some seriously out-of-the-box thinking that stays with you, changing your entire perception about life and how you’ve been living it.

#10

Learn When To Cry

Learn When To Cry

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In short, life hacks are concentrated bits of worldly wisdom that people have picked up during their lives. We’ve all got at least a few pearls of wisdom that we can share with others, but we’re sometimes not aware that it’s something that others wouldn’t know about.

#13

If It Works It's Not Stupid

If It Works It's Not Stupid

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Raine Soo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you can keep your herd together with minimal effort, it is not stupid.

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While some life hacks we pick up from others, improving them to fit our needs, others are, as Bob Ross would say, “happy little accidents.” It just goes to show that even when we think that we’ve got life all figured out, a small slip or mistake can actually be an opportunity to live life better. I mean, I probably won’t use a potato as a key handle until I absolutely have to, but it’s good to have the idea about how flexible I can be somewhere in the back of my head.

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For the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, practical wisdom (also known as practical rationality or ‘phronesis’) was the highest intellectual virtue. “Phronesis is the complicated interactions between general (theory) and practical (judgment),” one paper explains.

#19

I Figured Out You Don’t Actually Have To Assemble These Things

I Figured Out You Don’t Actually Have To Assemble These Things

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#20

My Brother Wanted To Measure The Trees In His Yard. This Is How Did He Did It

My Brother Wanted To Measure The Trees In His Yard. This Is How Did He Did It

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While we might not immediately link life hacks to something as profound as Aristotelean philosophy, they do hold some things in common, specifically the practical and correct application of theoretical knowledge. And considering that some of these life hacks help solve real-world issues (however small they might be), they shouldn’t be dismissed despite how dumb they might sound on a purely theoretical level.

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#24

If You’re Broke And Can’t Afford Coasters Grab Some Flooring Samples From Home Depot. They Are Free And Come In A Variety Of Colors And Finishes

If You’re Broke And Can’t Afford Coasters Grab Some Flooring Samples From Home Depot. They Are Free And Come In A Variety Of Colors And Finishes

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Life hacks might not be as mighty as author John Bradshaw explains in his book ‘Reclaiming Virtue’ (i.e. practical wisdom being “the ability to do the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason”), but they are a reflection of humankind’s ability to adapt and overcome challenges, from the tiny and ridiculous to the profound and consequential. There’s nothing wrong with MacGyvering a solution if conventional knowledge fails us!

#26

Started Staining The Deck And Needed To Keep The Dog Off The Deck Boards. Solution Found

Started Staining The Deck And Needed To Keep The Dog Off The Deck Boards. Solution Found

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Raine Soo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, this is assuming your dog is afraid of the vacuum cleaner. I had a neighbour with a Boston Terrier that loved the vacuum. Weird doggo.

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But what life hacks do you have to share with all the other Pandas? Are they something that you discovered by accident or did you see them somewhere? Do you believe that life hacks can be considered to be successful if they’re really dumb but work? What’s the absolute stupidest life hack you’ve ever seen that still (kinda, sorta, surprisingly) works? Let us know what you think below.

#28

If It's Stupid And It Works It Ain't Stupid

If It's Stupid And It Works It Ain't Stupid

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#29

How To Have Fun As A Parent

How To Have Fun As A Parent

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

I would be the last one except it wouldn't be intentional. Never been good at skateboarding.

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#30

Meanwhile This Person Is Living In 3018

Meanwhile This Person Is Living In 3018

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#32

5 Second Rule

5 Second Rule

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

But what will happen if they get to you after 4 seconds?

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#34

A Flood Can Be A Great Opportunity To Turn Your Home Into An Aquarium

A Flood Can Be A Great Opportunity To Turn Your Home Into An Aquarium

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#35

Stay Thin Y’all

Stay Thin Y’all

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

I mean good idead, but usually they're half full, so it might look a little sus

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#36

Because It’s Sunny I Want To Work Outside But It’s So Bright I Can’t Really See The Screen. Putting Your Laptop In A Box Blocks Out The Light, So Your Laptop Screen Is Bright. It Also Keeps Laptop Cooler

Because It’s Sunny I Want To Work Outside But It’s So Bright I Can’t Really See The Screen. Putting Your Laptop In A Box Blocks Out The Light, So Your Laptop Screen Is Bright. It Also Keeps Laptop Cooler

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#38

In Todays Episode Of Slavic Science

In Todays Episode Of Slavic Science

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Aahzmandus Pervect
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The car is Italian, and the plates are Brazilian, so I guess the car's also been made there. What's Slavic about this?

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#39

Efficient Way To Get Drunk During Quarantine

Efficient Way To Get Drunk During Quarantine

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#40

My 12 Year Old Son Modified His Bike With Carpet For Barefoot Riding

My 12 Year Old Son Modified His Bike With Carpet For Barefoot Riding

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

Whilst it is a clever idea, riding without shoes is not. Accidents happen a lot more than you think.

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#41

Independent Fact Checkers Show This Is True

Independent Fact Checkers Show This Is True

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#42

Afraid Those Lottery Tickets You Got For Stocking Stuffers Might Actually Be Winners?

Afraid Those Lottery Tickets You Got For Stocking Stuffers Might Actually Be Winners?

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#44

The Man Sitting In Front Of Me On The Train Is Using A Twix As A Pillow

The Man Sitting In Front Of Me On The Train Is Using A Twix As A Pillow

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#45

Steal Big

Steal Big

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

I stole pens from my last internship and never paid in the coffee machine. They made me work extra hours, never taught me a thing (I needed to follow an online free R course because the tutor wouldnt help me programing it), wanted me to also work in the weekends (not allowed in the university). And when I got ill and needed to go to the hospital they were mad at me. At the end they graded me with a 6 despite going to work there for months with big health problems and labeled me "inmature and irresponsible". Because apparently being ill is inmature now.

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#46

Shopping Life Hack

Shopping Life Hack

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Carol Emory
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually took a shopping cart home with the permission of the manager of the store. I was shopping for a neighbor who had a van with a wheelchair ramp. The list included lots of bottle water which is really heavy. So i pushed the shopping cart into the van via the ramp and secured it down with straps. When my neighbor opened the door to let me in, she just about fell over laughing. I took the cart back after it was unloaded.

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KrabbyGramps666
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah in America they are free which is a problem for the environment people would be more discouraged to buy plastic bags if they cost something so don’t think that it is nice to have free bags in America.

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Let’s All Just Try And Be Decent
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the UK most places now have automatic locks on the trolleys, once you get outside of the car park, the wheels lock so that you can't take them any further / steal them

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

I don't get it. Suddenly so many comments get down voted that aren't even mean or something like this. One user wrote "in the USA they're free" and it had already 35 downvotes. That was clearly a joke. Also often these comments are deleted, when I try to read the answers to it they just vanish.

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Red Ruffensor
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey, your coin is still there in the holder so technically it's free.

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

The garden carts work great too! They almost all fold down & are easy to pull around. I use mine when I have to take something heavy from car to house.

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

Now why have I never thought of that. Better yet, I can get a trolley for free lol.

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

I have a nice Walmart buggy with FOUR working wheels. It was abandoned in a lot five miles from Walmart and my son was tasked with removing it from his former employer's area so he brought it home. I use it to carry items in the house after shopping or a portable work table. Wheel it right in the kitchen.

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

just a quarter in the US, slugs from electrical boxes work too. or just grab the ones no one returned to the chains. I dont get the buying bag part though. Either stores provide bags free or have a box bin to put the items in.

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

You know what? Too many people do that, and it's annoying, because those things cost $300 to $400. This is not even remotely funny.

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

In the UK the bigger shops have wheel locks on the trolley. Take them off the shop boundary and the wheels lock up. There is some sort of loop in ground or area that triggers it.

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

There used to be tons of trollys chilling at my old apartments garbage area, fun to watch when one day the workers of Giant came back to get em

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

Some cities in the U.S. have tried banning plastic bags at stores & in other cities, the stores have started charging for the bags. I use my canvas bags as much as I can.

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

Since my local grocer won't allow reusable bags in the store, I have them put my groceries back in the cart, then roll it out to my car & load my stuff into my reusable bags in the car! Then the cart/trolley goes to the outdoor 'cart corral'. No more plastic bags at my house!

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Connie Bonneville
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

After living in the US for 8 years I forgot about paying for carts!!! I do not miss that!

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

You're not paying. You get it back. It's just an incentive to return it since people like this exist.

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

A german comedian once called a supermarket with precisely that 'logic'.

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#47

If Your Key Breaks In Half, Just Stick It Into A Potato Like My Friend Did This Morning

If Your Key Breaks In Half, Just Stick It Into A Potato Like My Friend Did This Morning

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

But what if the bottom half is already stuck in the lock. Do I mash some potato inside and it work like normal again.

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#48

Cool Your Backside Off On A Hot Day By Pressing It Against The Cold Door

Cool Your Backside Off On A Hot Day By Pressing It Against The Cold Door

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

Our husky used to flatten himself against the stone kitchen floor. Smart guy

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#50

Cutting Your Tennis Balls In Half Allows You To Store Two More Balls In Each Can, Saving Space

Cutting Your Tennis Balls In Half Allows You To Store Two More Balls In Each Can, Saving Space

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