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Finding humor in unexpected places is what makes life on Earth less of a drag. And the best part is that you can enjoy these surprises even if you were born under an unlucky star and don't come across that many yourself. All you have to do is go online; there are plenty of places where people share their entertaining everyday discoveries. Like the Facebook group 'Funny Signs.'

It was created all the way back in July 2011, and even though it hasn't gotten that big (the group has 4,300 members), this community continues to share content and live up to its name. So we rounded up some of its most popular posts and hope it's enough to put a smile on your face. It definitely was for us!

To get a better understanding of some of these seemingly non-sensical signs, let's take a look at what science can tell us about absurdity.

Nathan A Heflick, Ph.D., is currently a senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Lincoln in the United Kingdom. To understand absurdity, he says, we must first know what's a schema.

"A schema refers to people's expectations," he wrote in Psychology Today. "So for instance, one's schema for a card deck is that hearts are red, and spades are black. If you were to play with a deck with the colors reversed, this would disrupt your schemas."

Cognitively, schemas are important because they enable us to process and use a ton of information in the world very quickly with minimal effort and fuss. "To put this in perspective, imagine going some place entirely new where you have no idea what to expect. The sheer effort exerted in trying to function without your usual schemas would be exhausting."

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Science shows that we are motivated to maintain our existing schemas. For example, the meaning maintenance model by Steven Heine, Travis Proulx, and Kathleen Vohs, says that people's need for things to make sense (to be meaningful, and consistent with their schemas and expectations) is so strong that when it is disrupted, people act with increased efforts to restore their "meaning frameworks."

In one study Proulx and Heine exposed participants to a story written by Franz Kafka. The story starts out with a clear storyline (a doctor heading out to help with a child's toothache) and ends with a series of meaningless statements.

As Heflick pointed out, from the perspective of the meaning maintenance model, this should elicit an increased need to affirm and validate one's sources of meaning (one's schemas and expectations).

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And in the study, this occurred through an increased ability to learn a new language. Specifically, participants were exposed to a list of digits and then were more likely to detect patterns in a made-up grammar system when they had just read the absurd, meaninglessness story by Kafka.

"Put differently, when people had their schema threatened by reading something that did not make sense, they responded with an increased capacity to learn," Heflick explained.

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professormcgonagallminerva avatar
Stardust
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This sign tells us that dinosaurs didn’t have guns, they used to attack with pollen

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The psychologist said this research has several interesting implications. "For starters, schemas serve many useful functions. But, when schemas are broken, they increase learning. So, presumably, people need to overcome their natural tendency to protect their schemas to maximize their ability to learn."

In practical terms, this could suggest that when people isolate themselves from outside information to protect their schemas (such as only watching or reading things that verify their views), they hinder not only their ability to learn about other perspectives (through a lack of information) but also their ability to learn anything novel or different.

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So when you think about it, the folks behind these signs are actually doing a public service. They're increasing everyone's desire and ability to learn. I know, it sounds like a stretch, but science says so!

Interestingly, Rebecca Schwarzlose, a cognitive neuroscientist researching brain and cognitive development at Washington University in Saint Louis, says missing the point is part of human nature.

"You perceive only a small fraction of the energy and information buzzing all around you," Schwarzlose wrote. "Much of that ... information goes unseen and unfelt because your body lacks the capacity to detect it. Whereas birds can see ultraviolet light, snakes can see infrared light, insects can see the polarization of light, mice can hear ultrasonic frequencies, and electric fishes can detect faint electric signals with their skin, you can do none of these things because your eyes, skin, and ears lack the cellular machinery that would allow you to detect them."

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megapod1949 avatar
Robert Trebor
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why did the rude and unreasonable chicken cross the road? It wanted some strange juice, but suddenness happened, and the very crafty slippery was stolen.

moira_1 avatar
Rhea
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The flaming person neon light just tops it all off

fireprincezuko17 avatar
ih8youremail avatar
Inigo Montoya
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can relate to the rude & unreasonable chicken one. Some of my chickens are a$$holes.

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adrianhobbs0 avatar
Adrian
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yep! First rule when using Google Translator:- translate the result back to the original language and see if it still makes sense. This is actually a fun activity for a rainy day: English - Korean - Spanish - English.

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blobby_grrl
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i have a slight inkling some things may have been lost in translation...

kittywidgett avatar
Karen Klinck Klinck
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Literal translations are so much fun. You should read some of the Japanese-to-English technical manuals on how to operate your new [pick your favorite item]. The smart companies have hired foreigners fluent in the language to doublecheck them, now.

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jaykethley avatar
ThumbsUpGuy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

if you use the translation software feature, "Jerk Chicken", a Caribbean delicacy, will translate to the Chinese words above.... then if you translate back to English, you get this... ohhh, will somebody fix this broken translation software?

richardportman avatar
Richard Portman
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always avoid rude and unreasonable chicken. Chickens are often rude and unreasonable. If they weren't so interesting, i would do without them. The eggs are a nice bonus to this relationship.

deadletteroffice67 avatar
DeadLetterOffice
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you for warning me about the chicken— I have enough trouble with my Mom.

lissmerriweather avatar
Bonesko
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

'Try some strange juice' is something my boyfriend would say when he wants me to do that thing that I really don't like doing.

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Pogi Gwapo
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I saw a sign in Guangzhou in 2010 and I still remember it. “Pretend to be cool or act like a coincidence.”

tezdonrobinson avatar
Tezdon Robinson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

forget the one in the front. the one in the back says DRINK THE STRANGE JUICE

writerhilary74 avatar
Hilary Mol
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate when suddenness happens and find myself on fire. It's especially difficult if I happen to be fire-running through a place where the slippery have been busy being crafty.

ryancorman avatar
Smilodon, a Bad Cat
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the story of my life, with three Japanese roommates in college. I suspect my US Govt learned Japanese was just as mangled, but my roomies politeness never allowed for me to feel bad. I did catch them several times berating me/professor x/the US, as under the influence they would forget I understood. I'm an equal opportunity kinda guy, and waited until the drunk smugness came out... then addressed them as their parents would have done. As in: "Stand up! What right have you to challenge? Who have you learned from, and why do you disrespect your betters?" I wish I could do this in audio for you Pandas, I can do a pissed off samurai or sumo warrior better than Hollywood. And my roomies HATED it. They much prefer anonymity for their commentary.

arobe353 avatar
PixxelDust
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the yellow one in the bottom left corner: "to take notice of safe; the slippery are very crafty"

sophie_10 avatar
Wise beauty
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m a little scared to try the strange juice but I will avoid rude and unreasonable chicken.

ellajmoffat-1 avatar
thEBOrdeSTpaNDA
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like the two at the back: To take notice of safe the slippery are crafty and please dont cross any railings lest suddeness happens

cammywilsonaz avatar
CammyCat
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a friend that got a dirt bike made in China (I’m guessing). Most fun I have ever had reading a product manual! And we read the WHOLE DARN THING! Only the devils lettuce would have made it a better experience

kelley_baltierra avatar
Kelley Baltierra
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am curious about the strange juice...is it going to set me on fire?

baali_venomax avatar
Baali Venomax
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What happens when you try literal translations without understanding the meanings behind the glyphs

dwakes13 avatar
Doug Wakeham
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm At A Loss For Words...Surely To God Something Was Lost In Translation...No I won't Cross Any Railings..Suddeness does have a way of sneaking up on you...Definitely NOT trying the Strange Juice Thank You..Already Strange Enough...and I will make any Rude And Unreasonable Chicken Cross The Road which will make alot of People Happy to Finally Get The Answer To Why Did The Chicken Cross The Road ?..Says Here Dougie Made It Cross The Road

cazoverll avatar
Caroline Overill
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You should just hear some of the things the chickens near me say...phew.

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Michelle C
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love the last one.... no translation needed, just a man on fire

kathy_1 avatar
Kathy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We had a rude and unreasonable chicken when I was a child. All the other chickens were well-mannered and behaved quite reasonably, but the aptly-named Fury would run at us as soon as we would approach the chicken coop, screaming and squawking, feathers ruffled and wings outstretched, eyes red and full of fury; for a small child, it was quite intimidating. At the time, I just thought that it was one really bad tempered-chicken, but now I suspect that it was actually a chickens-rights activist in feathered disguise, calling "foul" on the mistreatment of all fowls, worldwide... Can't say I blame Fury for that...

nirmiti avatar
Nirmiti
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Japanese the kidnapping sign says: “Explanation of theft: I'm a mother-in-law.” In Chinese it reads: “Dan wants to call the police for theft. Don't worry and raise traitors.” The chicken one’s normal. It’s “Chuanshui Spicy Chicken.”

nirmiti avatar
Nirmiti
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Japanese the kidnapping sign says: “Explanation of theft: I'm a mother-in-law.” In Chinese it says: “Dan wants to call the police for theft. Don't worry and raise traitors.” The chicken one’s normal. It’s “Chuanshui Spicy Chicken.”

nirmiti avatar
Nirmiti
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Japanese the police one means: “Explanation of theft: I’m a mother-in-law.” In Chinese it reads: “Dan wants to call the police for theft. Don't worry and raise traitors.” The chicken one is normal. Translation: “Chuanshui Spicy Chicken.”

jenjoyner avatar
Xenon
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But now I really want to try the strange juice!

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Analyn Lahr
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You gotta watch out for those rude and unreasonable chickens.

chris-torrens03 avatar
Chris Torrens
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lol I’m pretty certain this is Neho, an Asian fusion restaurant in Western Australia.

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K80.127
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I cannot say how wonderful literal translations are. They bring me so much joy!

idhantchowdhury avatar
Idhant Chowdhury
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tell me you tried something kinky without telling me you tried something kinky

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Justin Walsh
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm pretty sure I was stolen by a rude and unreasonable chicken drinking strange juice. Then again, I was having sudden happenings. Could have been my Uber.

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Emily Mulheran
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We need to quit warning stupid people about the consequences of their ignorance. Otherwise social Darwinism will never work. 😏

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Schwarzlose said territory in our brain is much like Manhattan real estate. It's both finite and expensive.

"Brains evolve and develop to make the most of that modest terrain. Your brain maps are distorted to save energy and space. And these distortions, in turn, distort how you perceive your world," she said.

Consider your sense of sight for a second. You can see far more detail at your center of gaze, or where you are looking at any given moment, than out of the corner of your eye.

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It's Izzy 🇺🇦
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe if I say I got neutered the nosy aunts won't ask when I'm having kids...

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"Ideally, you would be able to see things equally well out of the corner of your eye as you do at your center of gaze. But you need more neurons, and more connections between those neurons, to represent fine details," Schwarzlose said.

"In order to see equally well in your visual periphery as you do at your center of gaze, the visual maps in your brain would have to be thirteen times larger. If this change sounds innocuous, think again. It would make your visual brain maps alone too large to fit inside your skull. And that would leave no room for the brain maps you rely upon to hear, feel, and move."

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It's Izzy 🇺🇦
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can anyone explain why it would keep getting stolen (sorry, pretty dumb here)? Edit: Thanks everyone, I didn't get the joke. Kinda funny I guess.

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To avoid such outcomes, brain maps devote most of their estate to representing detailed information from "sweet spots" for perception, at the expense of basically everything else.

"Oddly enough, your ability to perceive crucially depends on all that you don't perceive. Thanks to our limited senses and distorted brain maps, you can experience and interact with your world... and do it all with a brain that's smaller than a breadbox."

So maybe it's not a big deal that we don't get some of these signs after all?

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Katie Lutesinger
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

New business idea: a garage where the mechanics double as strippers. There's big money to be made, I'm tellin' ya!

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professormcgonagallminerva avatar
Stardust
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

*person has every food on the menu on their face* “ yeah I look fine”

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Note: this post originally had 95 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.