Everyone’s had a lapse of judgement or knowledge at one point or another, no matter the number of university degrees or Nobel Prizes. Kids, in particular, say and think the darndest things.
The entire world’s new to the eyes of a child. Weird, ridiculous, and downright illogical thoughts are pretty common. Bits of misinformation or a lack of context can lead one to believe truly incredible things, no matter how ignorant.
Recently, people flocked to social media to share their most ridiculous childhood misunderstandings. The results are captivating and downright hilarious.
Check out 60 of these incredibly cute and embarrassing childhood misunderstandings.
1. Cereal killer
Cereal killers are monsters, ravaging milk bowls across the world with absolutely no remorse. But seriously, this is hilarious – the thought of a person crammed into a cereal box coming for little children. The premise works better as a comedy than horror. I can also imagine an excellent Halloween costume in the same vein. Like a cereal box with a knife in it.
2. Fear of firing
Work can be tough, as is. But work well or face the penalty of death by fire? I wouldn’t want to go to work either. My poor performance doesn’t warrant that kind of punishment.
3. Toy story
Some kids take extra care of their toys – but others build actual relationships with them. That’s pretty adorable, actually. It’s imaginative to treat toys as real people or living creatures. They’re friends with varied backgrounds and origins.
4. The youth
In Stephan’s defense, “euthanasia” does phonetically sound almost exactly like “youth in Asia.” For kids that aren’t familiar with the rather dark term, it might be easy to make that simple mistake. It’s hilarious, at least if you enjoy a bit of dark humor.
5. Cocker Spaniel confusion
This almost reminds me of Michael Scott in an episode of The Office. Although completely ridiculous, it’s an almost understandable mistake. I’m not sure I can think of Cocker Spaniel’s the same way again.
6. Gorilla warfare
Wow, that’s definitely a sight to behold. Like a harsher, real life version of Planet of the Apes. I definitely wouldn’t want to live in that world. The films are excellent, though.
7. Melon Collie
The Melon Collie, the close relative of the Border Collie? It’d make for an interesting dog… or fruit-canine hybrid. Have you heard Smashing Pumpkins’s fantastic double album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness?
8. Pop genius
Justin Timberlake’s got some jams, no doubt. A misguided, vaguely literal interpretation of “bringing sexy back” would seemingly refer to good-looking spines and superior lumbar support. JT’s just really into anatomy.
9. Presidential “race”
Wow. Well at this point, it might as well be. It’d be pretty surreal watching Trump and Biden run a marathon for the presidency. I’m not sure either of them would finish, to be completely honest.
10. Skydiving
When I think of free falling, I think of the classic Galileo physics experiment. But Vivi’s misunderstanding sounds pretty cool. Like if skydivers knew how to land sans parachute without the threat of death. Sign me up. I want that skill.
11. The advent of color
There’s just so much wrong with this simple misunderstanding. The advent of color would have to be one of the greatest inventions in human history, arguably more significant than fire. In 1951, CBS broadcast the very first commercial color program, for those that didn’t know.
12. Mythical seahorses
They practically are mythical creatures. Have you ever seen them in the ocean or in an aquarium? They look delightful. But seriously, paying attention in biology class would have helped clear this one up pretty fast…
13. Clowns from birth
Clowns have it rough now. They’re often associated with horror as much as comedy these days. Some children have a genuine fear of clowns. Baby Jennifer’s idea of clowns could make an interesting horror or drama premise.
14. Skin milk
Skim (with an “m”) milk essentially means fat-free. Skin (with an “n”) milk sounds absolutely gruesome. With chunks of skin? Yikes. I’m definitely glad we don’t live in that world.
15. “Making'”money
I mean, it sounds plausible. It makes literal sense – “making” can imply the actual creation, production, or printing of paper money. Language is weird sometimes. Try to cheer up, Unhappy Maiden.
16. Adultery
That’s one of the cutest, most innocent interpretations (or technically misunderstandings) of “adultery” I’ve ever seen. I wish that’s what it was… It’d certainly make life a lot simpler for countless couples.
17. IRL unicorns
I wish unicorns were real. They’re majestic. I wouldn’t be surprised if people thought narwhals were mythical creatures too. It’s okay Alice’s girlfriend’s brother, it’s okay.
18. Female fanny scrubber
A female-specific fanny scrubber? Interesting misunderstanding, no doubt. Loofahs are alright. They’re typically meant for cleansing and exfoliating the skin. But I mean, someone could theoretically use them for whatever.
19. The water gate
The Watergate affair was an important political scandal during the Nixon administration. If only Watergate was just a dam. That would have changed so, so much about US politics.
20. Choosing the weather
If this was true, some weather broadcasters would be downright sadistic. Just imagine somebody conjuring a hurricane to unleash onto an unprepared coast. Kinda scary. As a Floridian, I really wouldn’t want to live in that world.
21. Floating islands
The physical ramifications of this being true would be pretty bonkers. It’d be like sea bumper cars. Could islands run into each other and form larger islands?
22. Cats and dogs
Interesting, interesting. Has Brewsmith James seen the Nickelodeon classic CatDog? Evidently not. It would have cleared up so much.
23. Clouds
Interesting… Considering geocentric views of our solar system in the past, maybe this could pass as true in the 1300s. Although a wildly inaccurate misunderstanding, I think Lucy’s being a bit harsh.
24. Cute cutlery
Cutlery couples? That sounds downright adorable. That’s a beautiful misunderstanding to have, honestly. That cutlery now has a family.
25. Sleeping in the shadows
I mean, it is really hard to get sleep in a lit environment, especially broad daylight. If you can fall asleep within a few seconds, more power to you, I guess. But it’s also possible to fall asleep with the lights on, AJ’s friend. It makes things a lot more convenient.
26. Scared trees
When I think petrify I either think of a fossil etched in rock, a basilisk, or Medusa from Greek mythology. But seriously, the Petrified Forest of Arizona is beautiful. It’s named for its large swathes of petrified wood.
27. Twinkle twinkle little star
Wow, even after five years of Interstellar Chemistry? Sometimes the learning curve truly is steep. Imagine a cricket chirping nearby for every star in the night sky… That’d be deafening.
28. The home of the Braves
The Atlanta Braves are one of the most popular and historically relevant franchises in professional baseball. For the team to have influenced the American national anthem, though? That’s some deep history.
29. Live TV
That’s a pretty literal idea of “live” television. This is actually true for online streaming, but cable’s a different beast. I hope changing the channel doesn’t hurt anybody’s feelings.
30. Leftover rainbows
Oil puddles (although environmentally damaging!) do feature a broad array of colors. They almost look like abstract art. Like a petroleum Picasso.
31. Lions and tigers
Lions, tigers, and no bears. Male lions do have pretty thick manes, so I can see how someone could associate that with a male beard… or something? And I hope those ducks are finally sparkling clean!
32. Well, that’s bull
If viewing the tail as a head, it almost looks like a large turtle to me. I guess I can see a dinosaur too. But I mean it’s even called The Bull Ring…
33. Disney characters
Can you imagine Donald Duck and Goofy existing in real life? That’d be pretty wacky. Apparently Goofy’s a cow, not a dog. Let that one sink in.
34. Mute mimes
I mean mimes never talk when they’re in character. Do hardcore mimes just never break character? Do mimes like memes? Would they even audibly laugh? So many questions.
35. Cricket pilgrimage
Well, cricket is a sacred sport to millions around the world. In fact, it’s one of the world’s most popular games. To some people, a cricket match is a religious pilgrimage.
36. In Cognito, Wyoming
Cognito would make a great name for a small town in a spy thriller, or something. It’s a bastion of word play waiting to happen. Like imagine Twin Peaks, but set in Cognito, Wyoming. I’d watch it, especially if it’s also directed by David Lynch.
37. Bombs over bad dad
Well then, that’s a pretty stark misunderstanding. That’d be one mean daddy. Outkast’s hit “Bombs Over Baghdad” would take on such a different meaning… “Bombs Over Bad Dad.”
38. You can call meow
Everyone can recognize the bubbly pop melody of Paul Simon’s memorable hit “You Can Call Me Al.” Chevy Chase even makes a comedic appearance in the music video. They should honestly make a cat version.
39. Little colonel
I don’t think I’ll ever look at the KFC logo the same way again. All I see is a giant head atop a miniature body now. Ariane, you just changed my life… and I’m not sure it’s for the better.
40. Checking your pulse
As someone with absolutely no medical expertise… I get it. But what are we talking here? A small organ in the wrist that consistently pulsates?
41. A cartridge in a battery
I’m still not exactly sure what a partridge is. It’s a bird of some sorts, right? It’s okay Emily, we all make mistakes. Partridges aren’t even native to North America, to be fair.
42. How now brown cow?
Alright that’s ridiculous, but borderline understandable considering the often comical mind of a child. Brown cows producing chocolate milk would have so many biological ramifications… That means they’d naturally contain cocoa.
43. Condominiums
Huh… Well, I’m not going to lie – I had the same exact misunderstanding when I was a child. Things eventually cleared up over time…
44. Gotham City, Sweden
Gotham’s generally portrayed as a cold, gritty city steeped in crime and corruption. Many believe it’s based on New York, actually. Also, definitely watch Batman: The Animated Series if you get the chance. Seriously, it’s one of the best animated shows ever made.
45. Clown paint
Tattooed clowns give clown paint an entirely new meaning. That would definitely change society’s collective perception of clowns. They’re generally associated with horror films these days, anyway.
46. Celebrating celebrities
That’s an incredibly long time to call Geoff “Gee-Off.” I actually used to pronounce it the same way when I was young. Why does English have to be so hard? Just stick to Jeff… I guess it doesn’t look as unique.
47. Ringo Starr
Well, Ringo Starr’s a man of many talents, and definitely an oft-forgotten member of The Beatles. But hey, “Octupus’s Garden” and “Good Night” are classics. And as a Beatles fan, I actually had no idea that he narrated Thomas the Tank Engine.
48. Henry Vill
Applying this to the entirity of European and British royalty, historically, would yield some pretty wonky names. But they sound fun. Readings of Shakespeare’s Henry VIII would be drastically different.
49. Rubbing alcoholic
Yikes, it upsets my stomach just thinking about it. In fact, drinking rubbing alcohol’s incredibly unhealthy. Yeah… definitely don’t drink rubbing alcohol. Stick to wine.
50. Soap operas
In Hallie’s defense, the modern idea of the musical opera is distinctly different than shows like General Hospital. The word “bopper” vaguely sounds like “opera.” My mom watched a lot of “soap boppers,” too Hallie.
51. Extra vagance
It’s “extravagance,” Dennis Bell’s wife. I wonder how it smells – hopefully, extravagant. The box looks pretty ridiculous, to be honest.
52. Bat-teeth
Wow, it actually does look like a set of teeth when viewed a different way. I don’t think I’ll be able to look at the Batman logo the same way again. So thanks, Tom.
53. God, the artist
No matter your religious beliefs, this one’s pretty funny. Olde English lends itself to some pretty ridiculous interpretations. Some would even argue that God is an artist.
54. Disnep
I can see it. The iconic cursive font of the Disney logo isn’t exactly the easiest to read. The unseasoned eyes of a child might have no idea what they’re looking at.
55. Rainbow rock
He’s talking about the popular metal group, Rainbow, of course. The band features legendary vocalist Ronnie James Dio who was also a later member of Black Sabbath. They ain’t bad. Sorry for the misunderstanding, Phil. I imagine you had a much different experience than expected.
56. Tunnel vision
That would be awesome! I’m not sure how realistic that type of tunnel would be financially or structurally, but I want to see that. I actually didn’t realize how bad I wanted to see that until I read your tweet, Ags.
57. Sinn Féin
I didn’t even know what Sinn Féin was until I had to look it up when writing this article. Apparently, it’s a leftist Irish political party. Interesting… the more ya know. I’m still filling out my understanding of European politics.
58. The Hague
I honestly don’t even know what The Hague is, either. Let me look it up real quick. Results: the administrative capital and coastal city located in The Netherlands. You’re welcome.
59. Jesus H.
You mean “hallowed be thy name?” It’s also the name of an incredible Iron Maiden song. But honestly, Howard’s not a bad name. In fact, that’s literally my father’s middle name.
60. Gnid Blyton
Her real name’s Enid Blyton. She was a prolific English children’s writer. That “E” does look a lot like a “G,” though. Actually, I’d argue it looks closer to a “G” than an “E.”
Kids truly do say the darndest things. The mind of a child’s practically impossible to understand. We just clearly don’t have the technology. Fortunately, we live and we learn, leaving behind hilarious stories of broken logic and innocent misunderstandings.
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