Funny

Teachers often have to navigate a delicate balance when communicating with parents, especially when discussing a child’s behavior or academic performance. They must maintain professionalism and adhere to guidelines on what they can or cannot say, often using subtle language to convey their observations.

Jess Smith, a former teacher who now performs as Miss Smith in stand-up comedy and hosts the Hot Mess Teacher Express podcast, decided to have some fun by revealing the “secret code” teachers use when discussing students with their parents. Her humorous video about these euphemisms went viral on TikTok, amassing over 70,000 views and gaining attention from the Bored Teachers page.

In her video, Smith explained some common phrases teachers use and their true meanings. For instance, describing a child as “very social” is code for “they won’t stop talking.” When a teacher says a child’s “excitement in the classroom is contagious,” it means “they will not calm down.” Similarly, calling a child a “natural born leader” is a polite way of saying “super bossy.”

The video resonated with many, leading to an outpouring of similar anecdotes from both parents and teachers. Comments included:

• Tina Marie shared, “My son’s pre-k teacher called him the most scientific kid she’d ever had, which probably meant he asks a million questions all day long.”
• Tallulah the Great recounted, “In kindergarten, I was told I was ‘overly helpful’ when in reality, I was finishing my test and giving out answers so we could play.”
• Allie mentioned, “I was told to say a child is ‘spirited’ if they never stop talking and can’t sit still.”
• C added, “‘Your son is going to make a great lawyer’ meant he won’t stop arguing with me.”

Not everyone appreciated the euphemisms, however. Some parents feel that teachers should be more direct. One commenter, happily_married, stated, “I’d rather a teacher be straightforward instead of using codes. We know our kids; you have them for just eight hours a day.” Another QYMSC, suggested, “It’s time to start saying it like it is. Why are we so afraid to lay the truth on the line?”

Smith addressed these concerns in an interview with the “Today” show, explaining that while she used euphemisms to ease into difficult conversations, she was always willing to be direct when necessary. “If a serious conversation needed to happen, I didn’t sugarcoat it,” Smith said. “But using a code was a way to share difficult information politely and non-confrontationally.”

Smith emphasized that her goal was to foster a collaborative relationship with parents, reassuring them that she was there to support both the child and the family. “Connecting with parents was important to me,” Smith added. “I wanted them to feel like we were working together, not that it was just their problem to solve.”

 

Names can be a source of great pride, a reflection of heritage, or simply a way to stand out. However, some names go beyond unique and veer into the realm of hilariously awkward. 

From unfortunate coincidences to downright cringe-worthy choices, here’s a look at some of the funniest and most uncomfortable names ever recorded.

1. Crystal Shanda Lear

This name might be a bit of a play on words—“crystal chandelier”—but it ends up being more awkward than elegant. Imagine having to introduce yourself with a name that sounds like a piece of home decor.

2. Dewey Decimal

Named after the inventor of the Dewey Decimal System, this name might be a fitting tribute for a librarian, but it’s a bit of a head-scratcher elsewhere. It’s not every day you meet someone whose name could double as a library cataloging system.

3. Lemonjello and Orangejello

These names might sound like a dessert menu, but they’re actually the names of two brothers from a real family. Named after a misunderstanding of the French pronunciation of “Lemon Jello” and “Orange Jello,” these names are certainly memorable.

4. Fanny Pack

This one’s a bit of a head-turner. While it might be a clever nod to a beloved accessory, being named after a fanny pack might be a source of endless jokes and puns.

5. Rick O’Shea

Rick O’Shea sounds like a play on “ricochet,” the term for a bouncing projectile. While it’s clever in its own way, it might be a bit much for some to bear when introducing themselves.

6. Anita Bath

This name sounds like it’s straight out of a sitcom, but it’s actually a real name that might lead to some very unfortunate bathroom-related jokes.

7. Alotta Fagina

This name might be familiar to fans of comedy movies, but it’s actually a name that can lead to quite a few uncomfortable moments. The name is a play on words that can easily lead to misunderstandings.

8. Ivana Tinkle

Another name that sounds like it’s straight out of a comedy skit, Ivana Tinkle is a name that’s bound to cause some laughter and possibly a few awkward encounters.

9. Barb Dwyer

A name that sounds like “barbed wire,” Barb Dwyer is a prime example of how a name can unintentionally lead to an unfortunate association.

10. Sue Flay

Sue Flay sounds like “soufflé,” and while it might be a unique and memorable name, it’s bound to get some raised eyebrows and chuckles.

11. Mister E.

Short for “Mister E,” this name can sound like a clever play on words. However, it can also come across as a bit too mysterious or even confusing in everyday situations.

12. Hugh Jass

This name might sound like a punchline from a joke, and while it’s likely intended to be humorous, it can lead to some pretty cringe-worthy situations.

13. Bingo

Naming a child after a classic children’s song might seem cute, but Bingo is a name that’s bound to lead to endless “Bingo was his name-o” jokes.

14. Alaska S. Ketchum

This name might be a clever play on the phrase “Alaska’s got ‘em,” but it could also lead to a lifetime of spelling and explaining it.

15. Patti O’Furniture

Patti O’Furniture is a name that sounds like it’s straight out of a sitcom. While it’s a creative play on words, it’s also a name that could be a constant source of jokes.

16. Ginger Vitus

This name sounds like “gingivitis,” and while it’s a unique choice, it’s also a name that’s bound to be a conversation starter for all the wrong reasons.

17. Wanda Rinn

Wanda Rinn sounds like “wandering,” which might make for an interesting name, but it could also lead to some pretty uncomfortable situations.

These names show that while creativity in naming can be a wonderful thing, it’s important to consider how a name might be perceived over time. Whether for humor or horror, these names have certainly left a mark on those who’ve encountered them.

 

Jenny Evans is a mother of six, and she’s well aware that it’s quite a large family. Despite this, she frequently encounters questions from both friends and strangers that make it seem as though she hasn’t fully considered her decision.

“One question I often face as a mom of six is, ‘Why do you have so many kids?'” Evans remarks.

Research suggests that most Americans believe having two or three children is ideal, making the idea of six children seem extraordinary to many. This often leads people to feel a sense of entitlement to an explanation, which Evans finds tiresome.

In a humorous video shared on her Facebook page, Evans addresses this question with the satirical approach it deserves. The video, which has gained widespread attention, features Evans playfully pretending to ponder, “That’s a good question. Why do I have so many kids?”

She then humorously lists outlandish reasons she might give to curious strangers, adding a touch of comedy to the situation.

Towards the end of the video, Evans reveals her genuine reason for having six children. “It’s because I like them,” she explains.

In an interview with ABC News, Evans shared her perspective: “We never had a specific number in mind or made a deliberate decision to have a large family. We simply made room for one more whenever we felt ready. Welcoming a new baby and seeing how relationships within the family evolve is incredibly rewarding. I never tire of it.”

As Americans are increasingly having fewer children, concerns about overpopulation and resource strain are often misplaced when directed at individual families. It’s important not to judge or question those with larger families while simultaneously stigmatizing those who choose to have fewer or none.

Evans’ video serves as a light-hearted reminder to respect each person’s choices regarding family size. Whether one decides to have no children, a few, or many, the key takeaway is that family decisions should be personal and not subject to external scrutiny.

 

Despite a labor shortage in the United States, securing high-profile positions remains highly competitive. With numerous applicants vying for the same roles, standing out can be a challenge.

Karly Pavlinac Blackburn from Wilmington, North Carolina, was struggling to break through the competition for her dream job when a colleague suggested a bold approach to make her application memorable.

“I was discussing ways to get noticed by employers with a former colleague,” Blackburn shared with Good Morning America. “He suggested I should do something creative—like putting my resume on a cake.”

Taking this advice to heart, Blackburn decided to pursue the idea. She aspired to work for Nike’s new business incubator, Valiant Labs, in Beaverton, Oregon. To make a splash, she ordered a cake with her resume printed on it and arranged for it to be delivered to the hiring manager. She chose September 8, 2022, a date known in Beaverton as Just Do It Day.

The logistics, however, were challenging. Blackburn couldn’t simply drive to a local bakery; instead, she ordered the cake from an Albertson’s near Nike’s campus and enlisted Instacart for delivery. Fortunately, Denise Baldwin, an Instacart driver known for her exceptional service, was assigned the task.

Baldwin, a single mother of three, approached her job with dedication. “I treat every order as if it were for my own family,” Baldwin told Today. Balancing the cake and her 8-month-old son, she navigated Nike’s expansive campus, determined to deliver the cake directly to its intended recipient. Despite security suggesting she leave the cake at the front desk, Baldwin insisted on hand-delivering it, with security’s assistance.

Inspired by Blackburn’s creativity, Baldwin expressed her aspirations. “You have inspired me,” Baldwin said. “As a mom, I’m tired of doing Instacart and know I have more to offer. I’m thrilled this worked out for both of us.”

The story of Blackburn’s cake delivery went viral on LinkedIn, amassing over 132,000 likes. Although she didn’t land a job at Nike, the attention from her unique approach led to new opportunities.

On January 30, Blackburn will start her new role as the Director of Growth Marketing at CureMint, a software startup that helps dental companies automate their operations. “It feels great to be on the other side of the job hunt,” Blackburn told Good Morning America. “The viral LinkedIn post has made the journey quite a roller coaster.”

Blackburn hopes her inventive job search strategy will encourage others to think outside the box and persist in their efforts. “Don’t be afraid to try something unconventional and never give up on your goals,” she advised. “Keep pushing forward, and you will achieve what you’re striving for.”

 

Gabrielle Mayor, 24, recently went viral on TikTok with a video revealing a surprising twist about her name. In the video, Gabrielle describes how she discovered at age 15 that her legal name was misspelled “Gabrielle” instead of “Gabrielle” on her birth certificate.

The video, featuring Gabrielle’s deadpan narration paired with white text, has captured the attention of over 3.4 million viewers.

In the clip, Gabrielle reflects on the mix-up: “I just found out that my real name is Gabrielle because of a typo on my birth certificate. I didn’t know until I was 15.” Astonishingly, such an uncommon name slipped unnoticed by hospital staff.

Gabrielle later shared more details with Today.com. She recalled the moment at the DMV when she was trying to get her learner’s permit. “I was thrilled about learning to drive,” she said. However, when she provided her social security number, the DMV employee couldn’t find her name in the system. Instead, the computer showed “Babrielle Mayor.”

Her mother, Ellyn, was visibly distressed. “I was so excited to drive, but I ended up learning that I’d been living with a mistake for 15 years,” Gabrielle told The New York Post. Ellyn later explained that the error occurred because she was heavily medicated after giving birth and mistakenly wrote “Babrielle” instead of “Gabrielle.”

Ellyn recounted, “I was so shaky that my G must have looked like a B. I corrected the birth certificate as soon as I received it but didn’t think to update the social security card until it was time for Gabby’s permit.”

The mix-up turned into a term of endearment for Gabrielle. “My friends call me ‘Babby’ or ‘Babs,’ and even strangers who hear the story use it. It’s become a fun fact about me,” she shared.

Gabrielle’s video prompted others to share their similar experiences.

Vanessa commented, “It happened to me. My name is Vanessa, but it was listed as Banesa on my birth certificate.”

Another user, oversold, said, “Try registering for college and discovering that your legal name is Baby, and your middle name is Girl—a big mistake by my parents!”

Car123 mentioned, “One girl I know was named Angel, but it was misspelled as Angle on her birth certificate!”

Ashley revealed, “My name was misspelled as Aslhey instead of Ashley for 20 years.”

In September, another viral TikTok video featured Chloe, who revealed her father’s error, leading to an awkward name. “My dad accidentally wrote ‘Chole’ instead of Chloe, so my name is pronounced like C-hole,” she said in her clip.