Have you ever experienced a moment when you just wanted the earth to open up wide and swallow you whole? Purely because of something you did, or said, in front of other people.
Maybe it was that time the words left your mouth and remained hanging in the air for a second too long. That evening you realized the brilliant joke you thought you’d made didn’t land quite as you’d intended. The morning you enthusiastically mistook a stranger’s wave for one directed at you. Or that compliment you kindly gave that came across more as an insult.
Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us. Social interactions are, after all, a minefield of unspoken rules, hidden cues and subtle signs. And sometimes, we miss them completely. While we might replay our awkward and embarrassing moments a thousand times over in our heads, rest assured, they are universal. And no one is immune to the occasional, messy blunder.
Someone recently asked people to share the times they seriously misread social cues, making everything weird for everyone involved. The answers were too funny not to share, so Bored Panda has put together a list of the best.
Many might leave you feeling a whole lot better about your own mortifying moments. And others could have you laughing literally out loud, as you realize foot-in-mouth is, sadly, a pandemic that none of us can easily escape.
Image credits: trippi_lil_hippi
#1
It was Halloween at the nursing home I worked at and I decorated with a huge cemetery scene. I didn’t realize until the hospice nurse pointed it out💀
Image source: soarinashes, Oxana Melis / unsplash (not the actual photo)
#2
I saw a guy trip and fall on the sidewalk and rushed forward to help them. I was thinking “I hope they’re alright” and “did they get hurt”. Kneeled down, locked eyes, said “I hope you’re hurt”.
Image source: lovereetks, Cristian Castillo / unsplash (not the actual photo)
#3
One time i was at the orthodontist and they were checking my invasilgn fitted properly so she told me “say your address” i replied with “i’m a dress” then she said “no say your address” so i repeated louder “i’m a dress” didn’t realise what she actually meant til id left the appointment.
Image source: jemima_jefferson, Getty Images / unsplash (not the actual photo)
#4
Got into an elevator and the lady asked where I was going and I proceeded to tell her my plan for the day. She said, “ok but what floor do you need to go to?” 🤣💀.
Image source: cccaveman94, Getty Images / unsplash (not the actual photo)
#5
Husband told me to order pizza. I rehearsed what to say in my head. Called the pizza, I panicked and said “Hi papa John’s, this is pizza” 😩 I hung up quick & had my husband do the order.
Image source: jiiillcabs, Getty Images / unsplash (not the actual photo)
#6
I worked at a bank and in certain situations needed a fingerprint. Asked for a right index finger and we locked eyes as I realized he didn’t have an arm 😭.
Image source: Korina, Onur Binay / unsplash (not the actual photo)
#7
I had just gotten married and my new last name was Black. Wasn’t used to it yet and UPS brought a package and said “are you Black?” And I gave him a confused look and said “…no I’m white” and walked inside with my package. Still haunts me.
Image source: theblackdesigns, Getty Images / unsplash (not the actual photo)
#8
I’m a piano teacher. Once the dad came in to say goodbye to the student during lesson ended it with “love you, cookie” and idk why, I out of reflex said “love you too daddy”.
Image source: cookingwith_penny, Camila Cordeiro / unsplash (not the actual photo)
#9
I met Guy Fieri last weekend and when I walked up to him he went for a handshake and said “hi what’s your name?” And I replied, “Hi my name’s Sarah!! What’s your name?” 🤦🏻♀️
Image source: sarahmarie.stylist
#10
We were at a party and my friend took a pregnancy test and it was negative… I yelled “yayyyy!” And then her and my friend both looked at me and said “no that’s not good we been trying for months “💀💀.
Image source: brinleesmith, Getty Images / unsplash (not the actual photo)
#11
I work in healthcare. I finished a prisoners exam and said “you’re free to go!” And he looks and me and says “no I’m not”.
Image source: delulu_dilettante
#12
In high school asked this guy in wheelchair how he kept his sneakers white…I still think about it from time time 😔.
Image source: desireetaylor1, Getty Images / unsplash (not the actual photo)
#13
Working in a theatre selling ice cream with no card machine. Had a man ask if I had a card machine and instead of saying “I’m afraid not.” I looked him in the eye and said “I am not afraid”.
Image source: zinniakeen.author, Getty Images / unsplash (not the actual photo)
#14
2 JW’s knocked on my door, introduced themselves as Elder Jones, and Elder Smith, I said “wow you both have the same first name? and it’s unique too!”…🙄🙄🙄.
Image source: BDSDAS, Ludovic Migneault / unsplash (not the actual photo)
#15
Idk if this counts but I clapped at the wakanda forever intro that was made as a moment of SILENCE for Chadwick Boseman. I didn’t understand the cue 🤦🏽♀️literally keeps me up at night.
Image source: DaBee, Getty Images / unsplash (not the actual photo)
#16
I worked at Dutch bros and when a customer made a fist to give me his change I fist bumped him and said “hell yeah” then he kept it hovering there and said “no..I’m giving you my change” 💀.
Image source: petalglow, Markus Spiske / unsplash (not the actual photo)
#17
A coworker told me their little brother looked like a mini m&m. I said “oh really? Which color?” After a few awkward moments he said “No, the rapper, not the candy”.
Image source: suheylopez1
#18
A lady asked me for toilet paper in a stall next to me. I handed it over. She started talking about her date, I was responding. She said, I’ll call you back the lady that handed me toilet is listening.
Image source: stephakoch, Brian Wangenheim / unsplash (not the actual photo)
#19
One of my residents was walking his dog and I asked what the dog’s name was and he said “Beo”, I assumed short for Beowulf. AND I REPEATED IT. The resident had a speech impediment. The name was Bear.
Image source: i.love.you.iknow, Diego Marín / unsplash (not the actual photo)
#20
When studying abroad I asked the hotel concierge for more toilet paper. He replied with “yes, can I have your number?” To which I replied “no I have a boyfriend.” He was asking for my room number.
Image source: Lo, Getty Images / unsplash (not the actual photo)
#21
Congratulated a woman after she told me her daughter went to ICU (I thought it was a University) 🙈.
Image source: bronagh8819, DC Studio / freepik (not the actual photo)
#22
This man with caterpillar eyebrows approached me while I was browsing. He asked if I needed help and I said no I was just eyebrowsing. It was 7 years ago and I think about it at least once a week 🫠☠️.
Image source: jdue1108, deiven / unsplash (not the actual photo)
#23
Recently I was talking to my fiancé’s friend Nathan, and told him that my fiancé has a friend named Nathan he would really get along with.
Image source: jessandpfun
#24
A cashier at aldis had to step away for a second and when she got back I was expecting her to say she was sorry or excuse herself but she said “how’s your day?” And I said “don’t worry about it.” 😭.
Image source: lang2399, Getty Images / unsplash (not the actual photo)
#25
15 yrs ago I spent half a semester writing “Show Show Media” in my notes for an internet marketing class because I didn’t realize my Chinese professor was saying “Social” 🤣😭😅.
Image source: Kushy, Jordan González / unsplash (not the actual photo)
#26
I asked a waiter for a box for my remains (instead of leftovers).
Image source: 24freak, Yunus Tuğ / unsplash (not the actual photo)
#27
I met this couple at a hotel swimming pool once. We were talking about self defense and I said “I’ve always wanted to learn Kama sutra” i thought i was saying Krav maga 😭😭 they just stared and sat in silence.
Image source: Kayla Ramirez, Nathan Ayoola / unsplash (not the actual photo)
#28
I have a sailor moon tattoo and someone asked me if I knew all the lyrics to the theme song… I panicked and said no because I have narcolepsy???? I don’t have narcolepsy. I also do know the lyrics.
Image source: MaddieMaxine
#29
One time I took a freshly misted bunch of cilantro out and dusted it allover the face of who I THOUGHT was my daughter. Turns out it was just some random shopper.
Image source: HighLingual
#30
They were telling jokes in my class. There was this kid in wheelchair named KJ. He was black…. they said “what has legs, IS brown but can’t walk” I confidentially said “KJ!!!!” they were referring to a table.
Image source: ak…005, Getty Images / unsplash (not the actual photo)
#31
I was so nervous the first time I went to the gyno (she was also my mom’s gyno & she delivered me) I blurted out “you gave birth to me!” She was like I most certainly did not lmaooo 💀.
Image source: seehanaleigh, Getty Images / unsplash (not the actual photo)
#32
I was at my dad’s friends house when i saw pictures on the fridge of a young man in scrubs she told me they were her son. I said ohh wow he’s a doctor she said no he’s incarcerated 😳 those were not scrubs but his jail uniform 😭.
Image source: the.cortes.classroom
#33
My hubby’s new coworker met us at a bar for a drink , brought his partner, I ran up to them, ” OH HI !! YOU BROUGHT YOUR MOM !” 💀 She was NOT his mom. Annnnnnd she hated me instantly.
Image source: katiejpg, ŞULE MAKAROĞLU / unsplash (not the actual photo)
#34
I went to pick up a package and the worker asked to see my ID, he then said “turned around” and I slowly and hesitantly did a twirl. He meant the ID.
Image source: kacie_lyn, Judy Beth Morris / unsplash (not the actual photo)
#35
My aunt found a pair of shoes she liked & modeled them around the store. Another woman tapped her on the shoulder & said they were hers. Aunt was ready to fight until woman said no, she wore them in.
Image source: llamallovernic, Getty Images / unsplash (not the actual photo)
#36
I was buying tampons from the corner shop next to my work and the cashier said “has it just started?” Awkward af I said “yes I came on just now” & she said “😳 I was talking about the rain”.
Image source: sam91_5
#37
Got pulled over last night and the cop let me off on a warning but he said “don’t speed, slow down” and i said “you too” cus I thought he’d already said have a good night lmao.
Image source: m.olltov
#38
Bruh I went to a meet and greet and they asked me what I wanted to hear and I said “something you’ve never told anyone” they meant a song……
Image source: lexiiiial0
#39
My friend and I were wedding photogs and a potential bride told us her Fiance was getting ready for iron man and my friend goes “I love marvel.” She meant to triathlon 😂😂.
Image source: hanniepaige
#40
Told a cashier at the gas station to “keep the change” and then when I got into my car I realized I didn’t even give them the full amount of my total.
Image source: peachpitadri
#41
I’m a GX instructor. I was showing my class a push up modification on our knees and encouraged them to not feel bad for taking the modification by saying “I do some of my best work on my knees!” 🤦🏻♀️.
Image source: itsmehilarbean
#42
I was once on my way to babysit and the mom was telling me they’re planning to adopt again, i said “oh what kind?” thinking she meant another dog, had no clue the little girl i babysat was adopted 😭.
Image source: meaghan.forrester
#43
I thought tossing someone’s salad meant beating them up. Proceeded to threaten this guy that I was gonna toss his salad.
Image source: oakley.vanpelt
#44
As a server I meant to tell a couple to “enjoy the rest of their days” but I stg I don’t know where the “s” on days came from. It became so sinister and I didn’t know what to do, so I backed away 💀.
Image source: modernmasani, Getty Images / unsplash (not the actual photo)
#45
In Irish, the words engaged and lunatic are similar. Was doing an interview for my masters degree in teaching and told my interviewers I’ve been a lunatic for three years, instead of engaged. The stares still haunt me.
Image source: aiidominiquex
#46
I was 9 and wanted to prank my mom in Walmart so I snuck up behind her from a diff aisle and jumped on her back. Once I was on her… I realized it wasn’t my mom. I walked away like nothing happened.
Image source: ravvvvvvven
#47
One time I was at a restaurant and I have bad peripheral vision so when the waitress came to take my plate I thought my plate was inexplicably sliding off the table so I screamed & grabbed it from her.
Image source: raising.retrievers
#48
The first time we went to a character meal at Disney I got all weird when we met Winnie the Pooh and I made my kids get up and like, bow at him and call him “Sir Pooh” – idk what the hell happened.
Image source: conflatealltheguys, cal gao / unsplash (not the actual photo)
#49
I had just moved to NYC. Someone tourists stopped me on the sidewalk and asked for directions to the subway. I gave them directions to a Subway sandwich shop around the corner.
Image source: appleuser7754496
#50
I asked my client why she was in Utah, she said she was visiting mennonite family, I said “oh god that’s so weird eh?” she said “..I’m mennonite..” so I just turned the blowdryer on mid haircut..
Image source: julianwest23
#51
My dad always got the Spanish words camarero (waiter) and camerón (shrimp) mixed up until he yelled ‘camerón!’ to a very short waiter. He learned that day.
Image source: bostonboxer11
#52
Cashier name tag was all caps. I said oh great name, LarHonda. She said “it’s LaRhonda” Just put the bag on my head 💀😆.
Image source: biglouseeznan
#53
I’m a pharmacy tech and at my first job we had to verify patient’s month of birth at pick up. a lady was picking up meds for her son, Dirk, but I said “what month was dork born?”.
Image source: nikolatessa
#54
this isn’t my story but i remember someone said they grabbed a jacket at the store to try on. it wasn’t for sale it was the lady’s next to her she just put it down for a sec😭.
Image source: farwah.com
#55
A manager from another department came to my desk and asked if I had a sec. I replied “Ya! I have all the secs!” 😳 If you don’t get it by just reading it, say it out loud and you’ll know my horror.
Image source: mere_wake
#56
Bumped into an older gentleman by mistake. i meant to say “i’m so sorry” but also “are you okay?” so instead i just shouted “ARE YOU SORRY??” i stared at him to process and just walked away defeated.
Image source: audrey may
#57
Saw a dog while hiking. Shouted down “what’s your dogs name?!” They said “tofu” I meant to say “I’m gonna come say hi” but I said “I’m gonna come” emphasis on come.
Image source: happypoop4
#58
Customer had a lisp and I replied “yes” to his question, with a lisp. I don’t have a lisp 😭.
Image source: tx_xoxo
#59
Literally yesterday. got oil changed, put sticker on window. guy said “i can take that trash for u” (meaning the sticker backing) but i was hella confused and handed him an empty bottle (trash) 😭.
Image source: goblin.kitten
#60
I worked at nothing Bundt cakes and I was serving a lady and she asked why there was such little frosting and I said oh there’s actually a surprising amount of cream in the Bundt hole.
Image source: sombergoosee
#61
Once had a vocal teacher say “I hate the way I sound” and I (while meaning to relate by saying I feel the same about myself) instead said “yeah I think we all do” 💀 25 yrs later I still feel bad.
Image source: klindzz
#62
Worked at a subway went to ask someone “what can I get for you” and I guess also decided to say “how are you doing” so I just looked into their soul and said “what are you doing”.
Image source: kate.zepp
#63
At Panera I figured they’d ask “what could I get you” so I was gonna say broccoli “chedder bowl please” but they asked “hi how’s your day” in the nicest voice. all that came out was CHOCCOLI BREADER😭.
Image source: baby_nugget_witch
#64
one time i accidentally grabbed the sonic worker’s finger bc i thought it was a straw she was handing me.
Image source: vavavegas
#65
Went to a salon, they said to drop my coat and they’d bring my robe. I asked “Can I plz keep my underwear on?” She was shook and said “please keep all your clothes on” and gave me the typical cape.
Image source: kalgottatiktok
#66
My (then) husband & I were out to eat. I was trying to decide if I wanted a 6 oz or 12 oz steak. I asked him IN FRONT OF THE WAITRESS, “do you think the 6 inch would fill me up?”
Image source: kyramckaymoore
#67
2 days ago I complimented a girl’s sweater. She said, “thanks, I made it” but I heard, “thanks, I hate it” so I loudly said “OH NO WHY??”.
Image source: spellbindery
#68
in middle school i walked all the way to the principals office crying because i thought i was in trouble whole time she pointed to the kid behind me and they had no idea why i went to the office.
Image source: kenziewallace_
#69
My blind friend introduced himself and I held out my hand… and then took his even tho he didn’t hold out his and shook it ?????😭😭😭😭.
Image source: creamcheesereads
#70
While sweeping for close at work one night. I round a corner and an older gentleman was right there and says “greetings”… I’m not sure why my immediate response was “Greetings Earthling” 🤦♀️.
Image source: christinaaaa815
#71
I was buying a drink at the gas station but I didn’t have my ID on me, so the cashier went “ok just tell me how old you are idc.” i panicked and said “19” i am 25.
Image source: jbean89
#72
Joined a teams meeting and my boss said oh everyone’s wearing black I didn’t get the memo. I said I wear black every day because at heart I’m a black girl.
Image source: kzakis
#73
A guy at Burger King said “would you like ketchup in the bag” but I had worked 16 hours and no sleep for 2 days and swore he said “would you like a colostomy bag?” And I snapped “why would you ask me that?!”
Image source: pnw.n
#74
I used to work in collections and I left a customer a vm and ended it with “in Jesus name I pray amen” instead of have a great day on complete accident. She called and paid her bill an hour later 😂😂.
Image source: meagancouch
#75
I accidentally made a your mom joke to my uncle at my grandma’s funeral.
Image source: ichangeditho7
#76
Once I asked for a “wedgie” burger instead of a veggie burger and the Burger King worker said “we don’t do that here”.
Image source: whaddup_maiin
#77
my husband tried to order spinach artichoke dip and the waiter said he had to check if they had it. my husband said “if you’re out we will take it anyway” I think about this a lot.
Image source: muffin_lovebug
#78
Introduced my name (riley) and my favorite place (Iceland) for an icebreaker. Another girl named Riley said to “spell it” to see if it was spelled the same. I spelled Iceland. In front of 50 people.
Image source: riley_cat33
#79
My friend and I were using the restroom at the mall and she farted LOUD in the stall next to me. I said “niiiiiice!!” When we left she said it wasn’t her and she was a few stalls down. poor other girl.
Image source: thebizzybabyshoppe
#80
My dog locked my keys in my car at a gas station. Someone was trying to help me break into my own car and told me to go buy a slim Jim. I came out with beef jerky, not the tool to unlock a car..
Image source: jmillza
#81
Was in a spelling bee competition and I was in advanced English class. Was asked to spell soup infront of the school. S O O P. Instantly knocked out. Auditorium was SILENT. I walked off.
Image source: babymicho
#82
On a hiking trip at Pikes Peak. This couple walks by and the man asks if I need water. I said “no thanks I’m okay”. He was asking his wife. 😐
Image source: _caitlyn_elizabeth_
#83
Guy introduced himself to me and instead of introducing myself I said “Ok.”
Image source: victorialenora
#84
well one time i tried to ask my best friend if her grandpa was cremated (makes more sense with context) but I forgot the word “cremated “and just very hesitantly said “did you… burn.. him?”.
Image source: squidlet._
#85
I was walking behind a girl on the stairs and she tripped over. Instead of asking if she was okay, I panicked and said “it’s okay. 🙂” and then awkwardly walked past her.
Image source: meowserboo
#86
in 3rd grade I thought my teacher left the room so I jumped up and said “teachers gone let’s party!” She was just behind the bookshelf and stood up and looked at me like ?? I’m 30 and still cringe.
Image source: nicolee.elizabeth8
#87
I worked as a nurse on a postpartum unit and a baby was in the bassinet swaddled in a blanket. I was trying to say “It looks like a little papoose, instead I said It looks like a little baboon.
Image source: wooandlou22
#88
Was waiting tables and I was meant to ask a table if they wanted a refill on their water but buffered and just went ‘woah??’ And held an empty bottle menacingly at them for a good 10 seconds.
Image source: lauramiddlxton
#89
Somebody asked me “asl” on ps4. I had no idea what it meant and told them sorry I don’t know sign language. 🤦♀️
Image source: tlyn211
#90
in 8th grade we had an assembly before our end-of-year field trip, towards the end one of the teachers asked us “what’s the most important rule?” and i thought we were all supposed to yell “HAVE FUN!”
Image source: gumcuzzl3r
#91
I met Joseph Quinn at a bar in Chicago. He was with a man and woman. I asked if he brought his parents.. it was his management team.
Image source: e.lo92
#92
I can’t hear names when introduced (total blackout). I called one of my vendors Garret or Gavin for a year. Someone told me Kyle was waiting for me and I asked WHO TF is Kyle?! It was Gavin 💀.
Image source: alex.in.stonerland
#93
At the end of an interview I was asked when I would be able to start and after giving my start date I added “put me in coach”.
Image source: nattyb143
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