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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?

#13

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

Why be a couch potato when you can be the whole produce section

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

For the old-school types, either the 1950s version of 'The Thing From Another World', or the Lost in Space episode, 'The Great Vegetable Rebellion'. Either way, he looks like a real rapscallion!

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

therapist: saladman is not real he can't hurt you... me:

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Epona
Community Member
8 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is he going for a human version of a Vertumnus by Giuseppe Arcimboldo look? Because that's what I see here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vertumnus_(painting)

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

Lettuce know if this leeks of bad taste or you think this get-up will produce laughter or gas - not necesscelery in that order ...

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Zardoz360
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a missed opportunity to place a giant eggplant there.

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

When the Vegan Teacher said “be vegan” I don’t think she meant this..but then again…She probably did.

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

This is one of those “you are what you eat”posters at school💀

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

POV: You're living in your mothers basement and she tells you to it more vegetables.

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

That'll teach him to fall asleep in the middle of Creep Show!

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

Arcimboldo, move over! (Cuz I need to spread out when I watch Mr. Green Beans.)

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

Add Lady Gaga's meat dress, and you have a full-course meal .....

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

It was saddening to come home after the Kroger commercial try outs knowing you werent gonna get picked for the part cause you just were not fresh enough...

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

So this is what the green giant looks like without his clothes on

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

i forwarded this to my wife. she replied that she "really couldn't carrot all about this picture."

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

When interviewed he was asked why he did it, he said "Cos"

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

I'm sorry but he's going to be a vegetable for the rest of his life.

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

Lettuce be lovers and carry our fortunes together. Paul Simon

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

The Jolly Green Giant's offspring. He was rotten from the time he was born.

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

“Mrs. Smith, I’m sorry to inform you that your husband is a vegetable.”

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

He should have had salad fingers and carried a spoon.

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

Must be a Peter Gabriel fan (watch the Solsbury Hill video, in case you don't get the reference)

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S. E. in Indiana
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This what happens when you cut all the meat out of your diet. A true vegetarian.

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

Live action "Jayce and the wheeled warriors" remake?

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

Hey French folks, doesn't this remind you of Leguman, the creepy superhero who scared us when we were watching Telechat ?

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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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8 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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8 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
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8 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?

#21

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Lunakadi
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8 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
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8 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.