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The internet is packed with jokes that say, "Send this to your friend without saying anything." It could be a cat riding a horse or a picture of a person dressed as a superhero attempting to fly with an umbrella. These pics are funny and take us aback.

However, context matters. And quite a bit. It is important because it gives us the background info we need to understand things correctly. It's simply that in its absence, situations can take a hilariously bizarre turn. Enter the world of 'Images That Need More Context,' an Instagram account brimming with such moments. We've curated our top picks from this account, inviting you to venture into a realm where pixels flirt with mystery and snapshots stir up a storm of questions.

Pictures without context can make you laugh because they're surprising and weird. The same can be said for the posts on the 'Images That Need More Context' Instagram account. When you see a random or unfamiliar image, your brain comes up with ideas to explain it. This surprise and imagination are what makes them funny.

But context plays an important role. In communication, it is crucial. You can't go a day without someone communicating with you. In those moments, it's really important for the message we get to be clear and easy to understand. It's quite frustrating to hear something that doesn't make sense! So, how do we make sure others understand what we're saying? We give our messages context.

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According to the Oxford Dictionary, context is defined as “the circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood.” We'll give you an example: "I'm sorry" and "My bad" mean the same thing... unless you're at a funeral.

Human languages are naturally full of vagueness and uncertainty. Even professionals like lawyers and engineers can't use language in a way that's so clear that it can't be understood differently from what was intended. Think about the phrase "I can't do that." Whenever you stress a different word in that sentence, the meaning shifts. "I can’t do that" means something different from "I can’t do that." The sentence means different things when said by someone about to parachute from a plane compared to someone asked to lift a car.

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There are some ways to create context for effective communication. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes—not literally, of course (see what we did there?). Imagine the other person hearing your words for the first time. If you were in their position, what information would be necessary to understand the message? Is there any crucial background you should share? Would explaining how you reached a certain conclusion provide perspective?

People may not remember your exact words, but they'll remember how you said them. It's important to match your body language and voice with your message, especially in virtual conversations where only your voice is heard. Make sure your tone fits what you're saying.

#16

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giku T
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9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

apparently he is a dinosaur enthusiast;making do with the only living sub-species.

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#17

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Mohsie Supposie
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9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's Baby Shark, mummy shark, daddy shark, grandma shark and grandpa shark!

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#18

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Chihuahua Mama
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd probably be more annoyed at the white car's parking. At least the canoe is in 1 spot

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Be prepared to respond to questions without making assumptions. Avoid becoming defensive and keep in mind that people have different ways of thinking and interpreting. After all, that's why context is necessary in the first place, isn't it?

#19

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Bill Swallow
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We have a few of these around here. They're usually mounted next to the road as advertisements for used car lots or service stations.

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ShellsBells
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was about to correct you and say no, it's a Vo..then I caught on that you did mean the last Vo, not the first Vo.

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PrismatizedOozeLordZ
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks as safe as 1980s playground equipment. Reminds me of the coin operated Flintstones rides in front of old grocery stores

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Ernesto Alarcon
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The only vehicle that could park next to the white car from #18 🤣🤣

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DreamMaker_104
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even with all this downsizing I still wouldn't be able to afford this car

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Shirley Heyn
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like the hinged hood for easy access, and the drop-down crossbars for stability. . .well designed!

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Ann McNeil
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sign at the back says "Ask us about our special." This must be it .....

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Joseph Sorenson
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm still trying to figure out if that's like a piece of cardboard that was cut perfectly or if that's just a really really thin car

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Charles Randall
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When the cardboard box that you painted to look like a car for your bike as a kid is finally made

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Rorschach
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never ask a Superman to save a car. But then again. This was probably Homelander.

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Ron Man
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's actually a sign now for a used car dealer in Portland. That's a photo of it sitting in the storage lot after it was purchased to become a sign.

jwallberg92 avatar
Anybox
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When placed on the side of the road or on top of a sign it looks like a full size car from either side. Clever optical illusion from the auto wrecker.

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Cristian A.
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Shrinkflation to a new level: nowadays this is how much car you can get for the same price!

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UpQuarkDownQuark
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That was used a sign for a Volvo repair shop in northwest Portland, Oregon until recently. I haven’t seen it for a little while.

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Brenda
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Someone tried to be Burt Monroe but with the car style

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Ąåřţđęşịɠŋȿ
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah. Heard all the jokes about "slashing prices", "1/2 OFF",.... blah blah blah

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Kimbowa
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You may be able to get in, but you’ll never be able to get out.

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#21

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Lunakadi
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It took me a minute to realize this was a grocery store and not a space ship.

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The best way to communicate is by sharing information. Use open-ended questions and allow space for the message to be clarified. Then, confirm or make corrections to ensure your intended message gets across effectively.

Continue scrolling for a glimpse into the most hilarious posts in the group. Give a thumbs up to the gems that tickle your funny bone. For an additional dose of context-free wonders, venture into our past editions here and here.

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#26

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Peppy
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

“Sorry it was a typo, I meant to say we’re going to a party, not going as a pasty”

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Note: this post originally had 49 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.