The internet is a vast treasure trove of knowledge, and platforms like Reddit prove this daily. Among its countless threads, one of the most intriguing genres is the “What Is This Thing?” posts, where users upload mysterious objects, peculiar items, or baffling phenomena, hoping the hive mind can solve the riddle. From bizarre gadgets unearthed in attics to strange biological oddities encountered in the wild, these threads reveal the power of collective curiosity and expertise when weird things people found are observed.
Often, the answers come from unexpected corners of the internet—archivists, engineers, biologists, or just someone with an uncanny knack for recognizing the obscure. Here are X of the weirdest, most puzzling items Redditors couldn’t identify at first—but the internet did. From laugh-out-loud discoveries to eerie realizations, these solved mysteries showcase just how fascinating (and bizarre) our world truly is.
1. Why Does This Airborne Soldier Have “Special Needs”
The term “special needs” in the context of an Airborne soldier could refer to unique accommodations or requirements rather than its conventional meaning. This might include medical or physical needs requiring specialized equipment, mission-specific roles necessitating extra resources or training, or informal military jargon describing unique circumstances. The exact reason for this designation is open to interpretation.
2. Noticed This Sticking Out From my Ceiling — What is it?
Noticed something strange poking out of your ceiling? If it resembles a snake but isn’t quite one, chances are you’ve encountered a European legless lizard, also known as a sheltopusik. Despite their serpentine appearance, these fascinating creatures are harmless reptiles with vestigial limb remnants, often mistaken for snakes due to their elongated bodies and lack of legs.
Native to parts of Europe and Central Asia, they occasionally find their way into unusual places, including homes, as they explore crevices or chase prey like insects. While startling at first glance, a sheltopusik is a unique visitor to have—just be sure to safely guide it back outdoors where it belongs!
3. Found This Small Doll(?) Tied up and Locked While Hiking in Toronto
In spiritual and magical communities, rituals and weird things people found like these—often referred to as binding spells or fetish objects—can serve various purposes, from protection to symbolic acts of control or banishment. Practices and interpretations of such items vary widely, influenced by the practitioner’s beliefs, cultural background, and personal rituals.
For some, these are deeply spiritual acts, while others approach such crafts as a creative outlet, working with natural materials like wood, bone, and fibers. Whether you view it as a genuine ritual artifact or simply an unusual find, it’s a curious glimpse into the eclectic nature of modern spiritual practices.
4. We Found These in our Attic, are They Worth Anything?
Discovering British Royal Navy epaulettes in your attic could be an exciting find, especially for collectors of military memorabilia. These ornate shoulder pieces, often made with gold embroidery and intricate detailing, were used to denote rank and add prestige to naval uniforms.
Their value depends on factors like condition, age, and historical significance. A quick search shows that similar sets have sold for around £245, making them potentially valuable. If you’re considering selling, consult a specialist in military antiques or a reputable auction house to get a precise valuation. Alternatively, they could make for a fascinating addition to a historical collection!
5. I Found This Thing Walking Along a Trail. WTF is This?? I was Scared to Touch it. Water Bottle for Reference.
Finding an odd, lumpy green fruit on a trail can definitely make you pause! What you’ve encountered is likely the fruit of the Osage orange tree (Maclura pomifera), a deciduous tree native to the south-central United States. Despite its name, the Osage orange isn’t related to oranges, and its large, yellowish-green, wrinkled fruits are inedible.
Often called “hedge apples,” these distinctive fruits can grow up to 5 inches across and contain a sticky, milky sap. Historically, the Osage orange was valued for its durable wood, which was used for making bows and natural hedgerows. While the fruit itself isn’t harmful to touch, its sticky sap might make handling it a bit messy!
Read More: People Ask For Help to Identify Weird Objects. Do You Know What They Are?
6. What is on my Banana?
If you notice small, white, cottony-looking spots on your banana, chances are it’s mealybugs! While these pests aren’t poisonous, their presence on your fruit is a red flag. Mealybugs can carry plant diseases and compromise the quality and safety of the banana.
Even if the bugs themselves are harmless to humans, their presence suggests the fruit might not be in the best condition. The safest choice? Toss the banana and inspect nearby produce to prevent any potential infestation from spreading. It’s better to play it safe when it comes to questionable fruit!
7. What is This Bug? It Gave me a Really Bad Stinging Sensation
It sounds like they’ve encountered a woolly bear caterpillar, which can certainly cause a painful sting if touched. Woolly bear caterpillars, the larvae of the Isabella tiger moth, are typically covered in dense, bristly hairs that can irritate the skin. While not venomous, the hairs can cause a burning or stinging sensation, especially if you have sensitive skin.
It’s best to avoid handling weird things people found, especially these caterpillars directly. Though their appearance may look harmless, their protective hairs are their defense mechanism against predators, and they can cause mild reactions in humans. If you’ve been stung, washing the area with soap and water and applying a cold compress can help soothe the irritation.
8. Found This in my Parents Bathroom …
If you’ve stumbled across a strange device in your parents’ bathroom and it resembles a small pen-like tool with a needle, it’s likely an RFID implant device, commonly used for microchipping pets. These devices insert a small, scannable chip under the skin of animals to help with identification if they’re ever lost.
While primarily designed for pets, RFID implants have also been used in some human applications for convenience or security. If no pets are in the household, its presence might spark some questions—but in most cases, it’s just a practical tool for responsible pet ownership!
9. What The Heck is in my Dragonfruit?
The mysterious brown, swirly strands you found inside your dragonfruit are likely remnants of the fruit’s dried vascular tissue. Dragonfruit, like other fruits, has fibrous strands that can sometimes dry out or discolor due to natural processes during growth, harvest, or storage. While they may look odd, they’re typically harmless and not fungal-related if the rest of the fruit appears fresh and healthy.
However, if the dragonfruit has other signs of spoilage—such as an off smell, mushy texture, or brown spots—it’s better to err on the side of caution and avoid eating it. For peace of mind, you could cut open another fruit and compare. Sometimes nature throws us a curveball with how things develop!
10. Seriously WHAT is This?!
What they’ve found is a rotting water lily rhizome, often mistaken for a lotus root due to its similar appearance. The clustered holes that sparked curiosity (and some heated debate) are actually root scars, not underdeveloped lotus pods. These scars form where roots previously emerged and are characteristic of rhizomes. The decay likely accentuated their appearance, giving it an even stranger look.
And yes, the lively Reddit response—with corrections, misunderstandings, and a touch of drama on weird things people found—is peak internet. From misidentification to blocking, this is the kind of passionate commentary only mysterious plant parts could inspire!
Read More: People Ask For Help Identifying Weird Objects. The Answers Are Surprising (And A Little Scary)
11. Noticed These on the Extension Cord in the Garage
If you’ve spotted small, flat, oval-shaped objects on your extension cord in the garage, they’re likely katydid eggs. Katydids are insects known for laying their eggs in neat rows on smooth surfaces like plant stems, or in this case, an extension cord. The eggs are typically gray or brown and blend well with their surroundings for camouflage. While they’re harmless to your equipment, you might want to remove them if you’d prefer not to have baby katydids hatching in your garage!
12. Extremely Loud Fob Thing I Found on a Walk
What they’ve found is a personal safety alarm—a small, portable device designed to emit an extremely loud noise when activated. The metal pin you pull is what triggers the alarm, causing it to unleash a deafening sound meant to deter potential threats or attract attention in emergencies.
Interestingly, it can also be repurposed for creative uses, like rigging it to a passenger door as an improvised anti-theft alarm. When triggered in enclosed spaces like a car, the sound can be so intense it’s almost unbearable. It’s a practical little gadget with surprisingly versatile applications—just make sure to cover your ears if you test it out! One of the more useful weird things people found.
13. This was on my Front Door When I Bought the House
What they’ve discovered on their front door is a mezuzah, a significant item in Jewish tradition. It’s a small case containing a scroll with handwritten verses from the Torah, specifically the Shema, which emphasizes the oneness of God and the importance of love and devotion. Affixing a mezuzah to the entrance of a home is a mitzvah (commandment) that symbolizes the dwelling as a sacred space.
The diagonal placement of the mezuzah is indeed a result of a historical compromise. Jewish scholars once debated whether it should be mounted vertically or horizontally. As a resolution, it was decided to place it at an angle—symbolizing unity and respect for differing opinions. This nuanced approach is a hallmark of Jewish tradition, showcasing a beautiful balance of adherence to faith and intellectual discourse.
14. Found This Cleaning out a Friend’s Mom’s House After she Passed
What they’ve found is a skirt marker, a vintage tool used for marking hemlines on skirts or dresses to ensure an even and precise measurement. These devices were popular in the days when custom sewing and tailoring were more common. Typically, they feature a base with measurement markings and a vertical arm with a chalk dispenser or clamp to mark the fabric at the desired length.
Skirt markers were a staple in the sewing kits of dressmakers and home sewers, making them a nostalgic find. While not commonly used today with the rise of ready-to-wear clothing, they’re still appreciated by sewing enthusiasts and collectors of vintage sewing tools. A practical and charming reminder of a bygone era for sure when it comes to weird things people found!
15. Found Submerged in the Water at the Edge of a River
What they’ve discovered submerged at the river’s edge appears to be decorative pots traditionally used in Hindu rituals, particularly for preparing sweet rice porridge during harvest festivals like Pongal or Makar Sankranti. These pots, often ornately designed, hold cultural and spiritual significance, symbolizing abundance and gratitude for the harvest.
The reason it’s in the river could vary. It might have been part of a ritual offering or accidentally left behind after a ceremony. In many Hindu traditions, rivers are considered sacred, and items used in rituals are sometimes placed in the water as part of the spiritual practice. While it’s a fascinating cultural find, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing tradition with environmental care.
Unveiling the Mysteries: The Strange Objects Reddit Helped Identify
In conclusion, the weird things people found and shared on Reddit are a testament to the endless mysteries our world holds. From peculiar artifacts and mysterious objects to bizarre natural phenomena, the collective curiosity of the Reddit community often uncovers the true identities of these oddities. While some might leave us scratching our heads at first, they remind us of the hidden stories and unique histories behind seemingly ordinary things. So, the next time you stumble upon something strange, don’t hesitate to ask the internet—who knows what fascinating discoveries await!
Attention: These stories are based on posts found on Reddit. Reddit is a user-generated social news aggregation, web content rating, and discussion website where registered members submit content to the site and can up or down vote the content. Our staff cannot confirm the accuracy and authenticity of each story.
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