Ever stumbled upon something and instantly thought, 'What on earth is that?!' You're not alone! Dive into our gallery of everyday mysteries and marvel alongside us at these baffling, amusing, and sometimes clever finds. From workplace oddities to trail-side surprises, let's guess and giggle together at these peculiar photos.
“Black box found in bathroom at workplace.”
Now, that's not something you expect to spot while washing your hands at work. Is this new tech, a server backup, or someone's elaborate prank? If it starts blinking or talking, best to just walk away slowly. Definitely not what you look for in a typical bathroom break—especially when it turns out to be a Wi-Fi extender mounted by the sink.
“Foldable Blue hand found in a hospital”
A big, bold blue hand—foldable and very high-five-worthy. Hospitals are strange places, but this takes the cake. Whether it's for waving, signaling, or some wacky hospital cheer section, it’s definitely a conversation starter. In reality, it’s a surgical device called a "lead hand," used to keep fingers stretched and steady during hand procedures like Dupuytren surgery.
“Stumbled upon a horse track (?) whilst out on a hike today in Towton, North Yorkshire. The track was covered in these tiny, multi coloured pieces of shredded plastic. Looked very evenly spread and intentional.”
Found a horse track, but what's with all this rainbow plastic confetti? Bright, tiny scraps everywhere, all weirdly well-distributed. Is the local wildlife hosting a secret party, or is there some recycled surface magic going on here? Definitely beats boring dirt—this special surface is called footing, a mix of materials that cushions the horse and helps the track retain less moisture.
“What is this extra thing on my bra strap, and what does it do?”
What's that extra bit on my bra strap for? And that odd little hook at the side—it’s like the Swiss Army knife of lingerie. I’m equal parts confused and intrigued. Turns out, it’s there so you can hook the straps together in the back when wearing a top or dress where the straps would otherwise show.
“What is this weird wood and metal ramp thing in the basement of my work?”
Umm, the basement just got a lot more perplexing. There's a wooden-and-metal ramp that looks like it has a story to tell. Secret skatepark? Impromptu slide for stuff you’re afraid to carry? Either way, it makes you want to take up indoor bobsledding. In reality, it’s a cellar skid, used for moving barrels safely and efficiently into storage.
“Found at the gym, another one exists, less thick... Wooden, says top on one side/end, could be a handle sticking out?”
A chunky block of wood labeled 'TOP' with a wonky handle sticking out—discovered at the gym, naturally. Do you lift it, sit on it, or just marvel at its sheer blockiness? Gym equipment is evolving, and apparently, it's getting cryptic. Actually, it’s used to help train your lockout on the bench press, since when powerlifters use bench shirts, the most common area to fail is the lockout.
“Metal pipe contraption in the corner of a crawlspace in a 1950s-built home”
Peeking into the crawlspace, you spot a menacing metal pipe contraption lurking in the shadows. Haunted house or clever old gadget? Whatever it is, it's got vintage vibes and a dash of spook—from tight crawlspace corners straight to the archives of mystery. In fact, it’s actually a house well, designed to access water for the home in classic, old-fashioned style.
“Device with a transparent tube containing a smaller tube and little white foam balls. Spotted at cardiologist.”
A towering clear tube with foam balls at the bottom—spotted at a cardiology office. Are we watching a medical science experiment or prepping to launch something into orbit? Whatever it's for, it’s definitely cooler than a blood pressure cuff. Actually, it’s a popcorn tube, used in cardiology offices to show how blood flows: a fan in the base blows light foam balls up the clear tube so you can see flow patterns and turbulence in a simple, visual way.
“Small wooden box that is 4”x0.5”. The white part of the sticks found inside slide in and out, and the white part is able to come all the way out.”
This slender wooden box comes with mysterious slide-out sticks—one white, one wood, both oddly compelling. Feels like an artifact or puzzle from another era. Am I supposed to measure, cook, or cast spells with this thing? Either way, it's oddly mesmerizing to slide those sticks in and out. In fact, it’s an old school set of travel chopsticks, perfect for enjoying meals on the go.
“Old hand tool found in a toolbox I inherited.”
Here's a hand tool that looks ready for action, but I haven’t a clue what kind of action. Twist, poke, pry—pick your verb, this tool is game. Grandpa’s toolbox never disappoints in the intrigue department. Bet it’s got a story or three attached to it. In reality, it’s a piano string hook and leveler, used for adjusting piano wires to get just the right tension.
“Red brushes at airport bus stop”
Red bristles at a bus stop? For a second, I wondered if someone had misplaced a giant brush here after a dramatic street clean. Maybe it's a shoe cleaner, maybe it’s just modern art, but now I need to see if they do anything when the bus arrives. Turns out, they’re actually guard brushes, designed to keep people from brushing up against sensitive areas or equipment while waiting.
“I work an office job. A customer gave this to me with the implication I'd use it a lot. It's too big for paper, so maybe a pen or something? It's gold, metal, very stiff, and resembles a paperclip, but larger.”
So, a customer just hands you this oversized golden paperclip—but it's far too colossal for any mere mortal’s paperwork. If it’s meant for pens, it would only fit a comically giant novelty one. Or is this the secret badge of office legends? Turns out, it’s actually a pen holding paperclip designed more for desk flair than filing duty.