The pursuit of coolness is an age-old quest, often leading us down paths less traveled and sometimes even bordering on the ridiculous.
In our teenage years, fueled by hormones and a desperate need to fit in, we engage in acts that, in retrospect, make us cringe. Here’s a look at some of the most hilariously stupid things people do in the name of coolness:
Wore Pants Backwards
We’ve all seen it, the awkward soul sporting their jeans inside-out. While intended to be a bold fashion statement, it often backfires, leaving them looking like they’ve just stepped out of a time warp.
A user added, “Wore my pants backwards during the 90’s when kriss kross was popular, so glad we didn’t have social media back then.”
Broke My Wrist While Doing A Backflip
A gymnastic feat attempted by many but mastered by few. This ill-fated attempt at coolness usually lands them with a cast and a lifetime of “remember that time?” jokes.
A user added, “When I was 8, my sister had her friends over, all teenagers, and trying to be cool, I jumped on the trampoline in front of them and told them I’d do a backflip.
I’d never done a backflip so I landed on my neck, bounced off the trampoline and broke my wrist.”
Went To Tanning Booths
The quest for bronzed skin often leads to questionable decisions, like spending hours under artificial UV rays. This pursuit of a “healthy” glow often ends up looking orange and unhealthy.
A user said, “Tanning booths. Had a lady friend that was into those. I only did it 5 times. I was so dark, the gray hair on my chest was literally glowing.”
Ended Up In Jail Because Of Playing Car’s Stereo Too Loudly
Cranking up the tunes is one way to show off, but exceeding the decibel limits can land you in hot water. This is a lesson learned the hard way by many a sound system enthusiast.
A user said, “Got pulled over for playing my car stereo too loud. Took the ticket, and turned it back up. Took another ticket, and turned it back up. Took a third ticket, and turned it back up. Spent the night in jail.”
Got Drunk & Threw Up At A Party Where No One Else Was Drunk
We’ve all been there. The party’s pumping, the music’s thumping, and the pressure to be cool is palpable. In this quest for social currency, some of us make questionable decisions. But few can compare to the sheer awkwardness of getting so drunk you throw up at a party where everyone else is sober.
A user added, “Went to a party and chugged 6 Mike’s Hard Lemonades and then threw up for several hours. Nobody else at the party was even a little drunk.”
Tried To Strike A Zippo Lighter On My ‘Stubble’
This attempt at looking tough often backfires, leaving the aspiring badass with singed facial hair and possibly even a lighter-shaped burn.
A user said, “Tried to strike a Zippo lighter on my ‘stubble’. I was about fifteen; it was fluffy hair. Ripped a zit out of my face. Looked like I’d been shot. Still have an odd clump of scar tissue in my cheek.”
Wore A Hoodie All Year
While hoodies can be comfortable, wearing one year-round, regardless of the weather, is a sure sign of trying too hard. This look screams “edgy” but often translates to “sweaty.”
A user said, “In junior high, I wore a hoodie all year because I thought it would make me look gangsta. This included those balmy 90+ degree Texas days.”
Sunglasses At Night
Nothing screams “cool” like sunglasses at night. However, this fashion statement is more likely to earn you confused stares than envious glances.
Told Someone I Had A Pet Turkey
This outlandish lie told in the pursuit of attention often backfires, leaving the storyteller scrambling to explain their imaginary feathered friend.
A user said, “Told someone I had a pet turkey. I have no idea why, I was like six and thought it would be cool.
How did I get out of the lie? Well, conveniently Thanksgiving was right around the corner.”
Tucked In My Sweaters And Sweatshirts To Show Off My Girbaud Tag
Once a symbol of coolness, the Girbaud tag lost its appeal long ago. This attempt at a vintage throwback often ends up looking outdated and desperate.
A user said, “I had a few pairs of Girbaud jeans back in the day, where the tag on your crotch zipper meant status.
I wasn’t a popular kid. I just wanted other kids to see me as being in the ‘in crowd’. So I used to tuck in my sweaters and sweatshirts to display my Girbaud tag lol.”
Tried Shotgunning A Beer And Sneezed Midway
A classic party trick that rarely ends well. This messy maneuver often results in a wasted beer, soaked clothing, and possibly a bruised ego.
A user said, “Tried shotgunning a beer in front of my crush. I sneezed midway through and the beer came out of my nose. Hurt really bad.”
Faked Nolan Ryan’s Signature To Show Off At School
The desire to impress classmates can lead to desperate measures, like forging the autograph of a sports legend. This act of deception usually gets exposed, leaving the culprit red-faced and embarrassed.
A user said, “In second grade I forced my mom to sign ‘Nolan Ryan’ on my ball and took it to school to tell everyone I caught it at a game. It didn’t take long for it to be pointed out that what I had brought was in fact a softball, not a baseball.”
Climbed A Tree To Get A Friend’s Kite Down
Risking life and limb for a friend’s toy is a noble gesture, but often unnecessary. This act of bravery often ends with a bruised ego, or worse, a trip to the emergency room.
A user said, “When I was in 3rd grade, I climbed a tree to get a friend’s kite down. I had a crush on her. When I was up pretty high, a branch broke, I fell and broke my arm. I went home acting like everything was cool and cried as soon as I got home.”
Drank Excessively As A Young Man
While often romanticized in movies and music, excessive alcohol consumption in youth can have serious consequences. This reckless behavior can lead to poor health, risky decisions, and wasted opportunities.
A user said, “Drink too much as a young man. Turned into raging alcoholism and almost killed me multiple times. But now I’m just shy of 10 months sober, and haven’t felt this healthy in years.”
Walked Into A Wall While Trying To Be Cool In Front Of Some Girls
The desire to impress can sometimes lead to disastrous consequences. This embarrassing misstep is a reminder to be yourself and not try too hard.
A user said, “When I was about 19, I was in a club with some friends. As we were walking away from the bar, I noticed some girls sitting at a booth. I was having a good time and wanted to look cool, so I pointed at them (yeah, sort of full arm stretched, pointing at them) as we walked past them.
I suppose I thought I looked like John Travolta or something. Anyway, it became rapidly less cool when I walked directly into a wall because I wasn’t looking where I was going.”
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This article was originally published on Mrs. Daaku Studio.