50 ‘Mental Headlines’ That Made People Wonder What The Hell Happened There (New Pics)
The yellow press has a bit of a controversial reputation. But ask the wordsmiths who work there, and they will tell you that scandal sells. And if there’s no scandal, it can always be created.
The Twitter page “Mental Headlines” is clearly aware of that and has set out on a mission to document the most absurdly funny and downright odd headlines spotted in media that take entertainment onto a whole new meta level.
Below we wrapped up some of the most recent and chuckle-inducing examples for you to scroll through, so don’t forget to upvote the funniest ones as you go. Psst! More mental headlines await in our previous feature right here.
This post may include affiliate links.
Beth Collier, a communication, creativity, & leadership consultant, told Bored Panda in an interview via email that there is so much competition for attention these days, and editors and writers have to be creative with their headlines to grab attention.
Having said that, Beth argues that they should also remember their journalistic responsibilities and the impact their words can have.
“The goal of a headline is to get attention and make a reader curious enough to read the story. But it's also frustrating to see the lengths people will go to in order to get clicks,” the communication expert explained.
Beth argues that a headline should draw the reader in, but it should also be relevant and accurate to what the story is about. “That takes creativity.”
We also asked Beth if she thinks that audiences are aware of clickbait headlines. “I believe most readers know clickbait is happening (and which writers or publications are guilty of the practice),” she said.
“There's a reason editors use clickbait: it works. A headline like 'You'll never believe what happened!' is designed to grab attention, and our curiosity often drives us to click.”
“That said, you'll often have a frustrated reader (who will leave the article, and may not return to your publication) if you get a reputation for using clickbait,” Beth explained.
Apparently (just for some additional context) it's not unique to the monarch. Traditionally, the hive has to be told about changes to the head of the household in order not to upset the queen (bee in this case). Hives would be told all kinds of gozzip. Beekeepers are an odd bunch
Most importantly, headlines should be clear and concise, and headlines that ignite some type of curiosity in us will attract readers, Beth argues.
“Headlines like ‘The Shameful Secret at the Heart of My War Reporting’, ‘Why Do I Feel More Anxious at Night?’ and ‘Is Pilates as Good as Everyone Says?’ (all taken from today's New York Times) work because they play on a reader's curiosity.”
And since we all like to be entertained, humorous headlines are likely to get more readers, too.
Ok, so I really needed context for this one: A woman who sent threats to her ex partner via his dog's Facebook page even though she was banned from contacting him has been sent to prison.
Give 'em a plastic bowl filled with a cold tin of baked beans and a plastic spoon
Is it those hot towels? Some are lemon scented. I must admit I once was very close to putting one in my mouth. I thought at first glance it was a cake with shredded coconut. It looked delicious. th-641d534...09542.jpeg 
Appalling! Where's the spirit gone of a nation that gave us Boaty McBoatface?
Easily done. Her left eye is looking in a different direction from the right one.
"Be off with you odorous gimp! Take this cigarette and safe journey! Now, begone!"
Note: this post originally had 80 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.
After reading these it would seem that Britons have no business mocking 'Florida Man'! 😆
But we don't mock "Florida Man". We mock all of them.
Load More Replies...
Thank you. We do try our best under the circumstances.
Load More Replies...
What, no mention of the guy who fought off a terrorist with a narwhal tusk?
People who say Florida man is strange have never read the headlines for trashy tabloid papers in the UK!
I feel incredibly smart all of a sudden after only getting through half of these
You should do a list of local newspaper headlines. Especially on the A boards outside newsagents, as they are hilarious.
My personal favourite, seen in Llandudno, was "Karate Kick To The Head Saves Teen's Life"
Load More Replies...
Bear in mind that most of these are lifted from publications that make the National Enquirer look like the New York Times.
Don't forget "Police shoot man with knife"..."Mr --- was elected and accepted the office of People's Churchwarden. We could not get a better man!" Check out the works of Gobfrey Shrdlu.
Love that it's not even saying they're specifically looking for British headlines but they just happen to be the majority of these XD ah England you do humour us
Mental Headlines is a British account so naturally the headlines are British
Load More Replies...
Star, Mirror, Daily Fail, and all of the "x place Live" ones are papers that make the Weekly World News look like a legitimate source.
You seem to be forgetting that the British press is far more regulated than in the US.
Load More Replies...
We make stupid remarks about everyone, especially ourselves. Don't go thinking Americans are are anything special in that respect.
Load More Replies... After reading these it would seem that Britons have no business mocking 'Florida Man'! 😆
But we don't mock "Florida Man". We mock all of them.
Load More Replies... Thank you. We do try our best under the circumstances.
Load More Replies... What, no mention of the guy who fought off a terrorist with a narwhal tusk?
People who say Florida man is strange have never read the headlines for trashy tabloid papers in the UK!
I feel incredibly smart all of a sudden after only getting through half of these
You should do a list of local newspaper headlines. Especially on the A boards outside newsagents, as they are hilarious.
My personal favourite, seen in Llandudno, was "Karate Kick To The Head Saves Teen's Life"
Load More Replies... Bear in mind that most of these are lifted from publications that make the National Enquirer look like the New York Times.
Don't forget "Police shoot man with knife"..."Mr --- was elected and accepted the office of People's Churchwarden. We could not get a better man!" Check out the works of Gobfrey Shrdlu.
Love that it's not even saying they're specifically looking for British headlines but they just happen to be the majority of these XD ah England you do humour us
Mental Headlines is a British account so naturally the headlines are British
Load More Replies... Star, Mirror, Daily Fail, and all of the "x place Live" ones are papers that make the Weekly World News look like a legitimate source.
You seem to be forgetting that the British press is far more regulated than in the US.
Load More Replies... We make stupid remarks about everyone, especially ourselves. Don't go thinking Americans are are anything special in that respect.
Load More Replies...