Yesterday, on May 4, 2021, the gloriously strange wormhole known as Yahoo Answers shut down for good. Initially, Yahoo Answers was set up in 2005 as a community-driven question-answer platform. But over the years, it has become a true testament to the absurd wonder of people on the internet.

Andy Samberg as Jake Peralta on Brooklyn Nine-Nine says
[Image description: Jake Peralta on Brooklyn Nine-Nine says "I have no idea what to do. Oh wait! Yahoo Answers."] Via GIPHY.

It became less of a resource for community-driven answers and more of a long-standing internet meme. Many people found a sense of community at Yahoo Answers and were sad about the news. So in memory of Yahoo Answers, we've compiled some of our favorite questions and answers, ranging from hilarious to mildly concerning:

1. An unexpected answer to a classic question

A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: I accidentally swallowed a watermelon seed, is a tree gonna grow inside of me? :(? So before I ate it I made sure I took all the seeds out bc my mum told me that if I don't a tree will grow inside of me and pop my eyeballs out. So when I was eating it I saw a seed in there but I couldn't be bothered to remove it and now im scared and idk what to do D: Answer: no, they grow on a vine, not a tree
[Image description: Yahoo Answers screenshot. Question: I accidentally swallowed a watermelon seed, is a tree gonna grow inside of me? :(? So before I ate it I made sure I took all the seeds out bc my mum told me that if I don't a tree will grow inside of me and pop my eyeballs out. So when I was eating it I saw a seed in there but I couldn't be bothered to remove it and now im scared and idk what to do D: Answer: no, they grow on a vine, not a tree] Via Yahoo Answers.

Yes, it is ridiculous to think a tree could grow inside you when it's CLEARLY going to be a vine.

Lilly Singh saying "Obviously."
[Image description: Lilly Singh saying "Obviously."] Via GIPHY.

2. Yep, that works!

A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: What female name starting with M sounds like James? Answer: Miss starts with an
[Image description: A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: What female name starting with M sounds like James? Answer: Miss starts with an"M", so I'll go with Miss James.] Via Yahoo! Answers.

Simple. Effective. To the point with these answers! And it definitely does sound like James!

David Rose on Schitt's Creek, played by Dan Levy, nods and says "That's correct".
[Image description: David Rose on Schitt's Creek, played by Dan Levy, nods and says "That's correct".] Via GIPHY.

3. It's Yahoo Answers or nothing for this user

A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: How can I contact an user after yahoo shuts down? Answer: Carrier pigeon
[Image description: A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: How can I contact an user after yahoo shuts down? Answer: Carrier pigeon] Via Yahoo! Answers.

I suppose that's one way of staying in touch?

Seth Meyers sits at a desk and says "Sure, why not?"
[Image description: Seth Meyers sits at a desk and says "Sure, why not?"] Via GIPHY.

4. Topical and slightly sad

Question: What word describes Yahoo answers? Answer: neglected
[Image description: A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: What word describes Yahoo answers? Answer: neglected] Via Yahoo! Answers.

Ouch, too soon. But also painfully accurate since we all moved to Reddit.

Cartoon character Spongebob looks sadly at his hot drink
[Image description: Cartoon character Spongebob looks sadly at his hot drink.] Via GIPHY.

5. Why Yahoo Answers is really shutting down

A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: What happens when you eat at a restaurant and walk out without paying the bill? Answer 1: Theey would be like why did you no pay i will call cop and you is jail. This happen to me and now i am jail it is sad. Answer 2: Questions like this is raison yahoo answers shut
[Image description: A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: What happens when you eat at a restaurant and walk out without paying the bill?
Answer 1: Theey would be like why did you no pay i will call cop and you is jail. This happen to me and now i am jail it is sad. Answer 2: Questions like this is raison yahoo answers shut] Via Yahoo! Answers.

This person has to go elsewhere for crime tips now.

Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man rolls his eyes.
[Image description: Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man rolls his eyes.] Via GIPHY.

6. Unbaking a cake is not recommended

A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: How do you unbake a cake? Answer: Toss it in a time machine and set the date before it was baked. Here is an example of what it would look like after it is unbaked in the machine… it made a horrible mess. It took me hours and hours to get all the flour and eggs out of my time machine. I don't recommend it.
[Image description: A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: How do you unbake a cake? Answer: Toss it in a time machine and set the date before it was baked. Here is an example of what it would look like after it is unbaked in the machine… it made a horrible mess. It took me hours and hours to get all the flour and eggs out of my time machine. I don't recommend it.] Via Yahoo! Answers.

That sounds like a tough clean-up!

Drew Barrymore dances with flour all over herself.
[Image description: Drew Barrymore dances with flour all over herself.] Via GIPHY.

7. More information is required to answer this complicated question.

A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: I can't see myself on google earth? Ok I enter my address in and I can see my house perfectly and I know its the right house for sure but the thing is I cant see myself when i go outside? i can see the cars on google earth but not myself?? I go out with my laptop and try to reflect something shiny to the sky so that it can read my location off. And if you guys think im a vampire im not because i can see myself in the mirror. Answer: Some more information required
[Image description: A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: I can't see myself on google earth? Ok I enter my address in and I can see my house perfectly and I know its the right house for sure but the thing is I cant see myself when i go outside? i can see the cars on google earth but not myself?? I go out with my laptop and try to reflect something shiny to the sky so that it can read my location off. And if you guys think im a vampire im not because i can see myself in the mirror. Answer: Some more information required] Via Yahoo! Answers.

At least the poster isn't a vampire.

Ed Helms as Andy on the office says
[Image description: Ed Helms as Andy on the office says "I'm sorry, what?"] Via GIPHY.

8. This classic example of a hilarious Yahoo Answers question also has some great answers

A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: HOW DO I TURN OFF CAPS LOCK? I ACCIDENTALLY TURNED IT ON YESTERDAY AND I DON'T KNOW HOW TO TURN IT BACK OFF. ALL OF MY FRIENDS ARE MAD BECAUSE THEY THINK I AM SHOUTING AT THEM OVER THE INTERNET. THIS PROBLEM IS LITERALLY RUINING MY LIFE AND TEARING MY FAMILY APART. I JUST WANT TO BE WHOLE AGAIN. PLEASE HELP!! Answer: Read these steps and you'll get what you're looking for: 1. Look to your left 2. See a button saying "Caps Lock" 3. Press it AND THIS HAPPENS 4. BEFORE PANICKING IN FEAR, PRESS IT AGAIN and you're back to normal 5. Slap yourself for asking such a stupid question
[Image description: A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: HOW DO I TURN OFF CAPS LOCK? I ACCIDENTALLY TURNED IT ON YESTERDAY AND I DON'T KNOW HOW TO TURN IT BACK OFF. ALL OF MY FRIENDS ARE MAD BECAUSE THEY THINK I AM SHOUTING AT THEM OVER THE INTERNET. THIS PROBLEM IS LITERALLY RUINING MY LIFE AND TEARING MY FAMILY APART. I JUST WANT TO BE WHOLE AGAIN. PLEASE HELP!! Answer: Read these steps and you'll get what you're looking for:
1. Look to your left
2. See a button saying "Caps Lock"
3. Press it AND THIS HAPPENS
4. BEFORE PANICKING IN FEAR, PRESS IT AGAIN and you're back to normal
5. Slap yourself for asking such a stupid question] Via Yahoo! Answers.

What a helpful user!

Michelle from Full House says
[Image description: Michelle from Full House says "Why thank you."] Via GIPHY.

9. Simple advice

A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: I'll be taking care of 5 dogs for a couple of months...Any tips? Answer: don't get a cat ?
[Image description: A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: I'll be taking care of 5 dogs for a couple of months…Any tips? Answer: don't get a cat ?] Via Yahoo! Answers.

Yep, makes sense.

Steve Carrell as Michael Scott on the Office says
[Image description: Steve Carrell as Michael Scott on the Office says "That is a good point."] Via GIPHY.

10. This user may have had bad timing

A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: Are you going to share anything in the final days of Yahoo! Answers? Answer: I just started using Yahoo answers this year.
[Image description: A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: Are you going to share anything in the final days of Yahoo! Answers? Answer: I just started using Yahoo answers this year.] Via Yahoo! Answers.

Just a little bit late.

Andy from Parks and Recreation played by Chris Pratt cringes.
[Image description: Andy from Parks and Recreation played by Chris Pratt cringes.] Via GIPHY.

11. Love the sincerity of the answers on this one

A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: When was the last time you had hazel eyes? Answer 1: The last time I looked in the mirror? Answer 2: I never had them I was born with brown eyes.
[Image description: A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: When was the last time you had hazel eyes? Answer 1: The last time I looked in the mirror? Answer 2: I never had them I was born with brown eyes.] Via Yahoo! Answers.

When was the last time YOU had hazel eyes?

A close-up of an eye with its pupil expanding.
[Image description: A close-up of an eye with its pupil expanding.] Via GIPHY.

12. You can get answers to anything here

A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: How do I poop in the litterbox without getting in trouble? I want to poop in the litterbox and preferably leave it there for the other cats to observe in shock and awe. Without my mom knowing. Answer: First you poop on the carpet a few times and get in trouble. Then when you finally poop in the litterbox, it'll be perceived as an improvement, and you won't get in trouble.
[Image description: A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: How do I poop in the litterbox without getting in trouble? I want to poop in the litterbox and preferably leave it there for the other cats to observe in shock and awe. Without my mom knowing. Answer: First you poop on the carpet a few times and get in trouble. Then when you finally poop in the litterbox, it'll be perceived as an improvement, and you won't get in trouble.] Via Yahoo! Answers.

It's all relative!

Jennifer Lopez stands up clapping.
[Image description: Jennifer Lopez stands up clapping.] Via GIPHY.

13. Charles was not in a very helpful mood

A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: How long is a
[Image description: A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: How long is a "winter"? Answer from user Charles: Winter comes around once a year. Figure it out.] Via Yahoo! Answers.

My question is: Why go through the trouble of clicking on and answering someone's question, only to tell them to figure it out themselves? We may never know.

Trevor Noah looks confused.
[Image description: Trevor Noah looks confused.] Via GIPHY.

14. This user has a clear idea of their limits

A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: You're God for one day. What would you do? Answer : I would ask God to please take the reins back because I am not worthy to make those kinds of decisions.
[Image description: A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: You're God for one day. What would you do? Answer : I would ask God to please take the reins back because I am not worthy to make those kinds of decisions.] Via Yahoo! Answers.

Honestly, same.

Jake Johnson as Nick Miller on New Girl says
[Image description: Jake Johnson as Nick Miller on New Girl says "I don't like it, it's too much responsibility."] Via GIPHY.

15. Have you ever considered this?

A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: Have you ever considered eating veggies? Answer: I just ate tomato, peppers and onions. They were on a pizza though.
[Image description: A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: Have you ever considered eating veggies? Answer: I just ate tomato, peppers and onions. They were on a pizza though.] Via Yahoo! Answers.

Did the asker never consider this? I'm curious. And the answer… fair enough!

Matt Le Blanc as Joey on Friends says
[Image description: Matt Le Blanc as Joey on Friends says "Pizza! We like pizza!"] Via GIPHY.

16. Straight from the dog's mouth!

A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: Do you eat chocolate? Answer: No, us dogs can't eat that hun.
[Image description: A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: Do you eat chocolate? Answer: No, us dogs can't eat that hun.] Via Yahoo! Answers.

Dogs use Yahoo! Answers. Truly a magical platform.

A dog types on a laptop.
[Image description: A dog types on a laptop.] Via GIPHY.

17. This user will be waiting for a long time

A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: What do you think of grilled cheese sandwiches? Answer: Don't know. Never made one. Still waiting for Gordon Ramsay to give me a recipe.
[Image description: A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: What do you think of grilled cheese sandwiches? Answer: Don't know. Never made one. Still waiting for Gordon Ramsay to give me a recipe.] Via Yahoo! Answers.

Maybe one day their time will come.

Gordon Ramsey says holds two slices of bread on either side of a woman's head and asks her what she is, she replies that she is an idiot sandwich.
[Image description: Gordon Ramsey says holds two slices of bread on either side of a woman's head and asks her what she is, she replies that she is an idiot sandwich.] Via GIPHY.

18. This one made me feel a little inadequate

A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: Bees make honey. What do you make?
[Image description: A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: Bees make honey. What do you make?] Via Yahoo! Answers.

Does making lists of funny questions on Yahoo Answers count?

The protagonist bee from the 'Bee Movie' does the peace out gesture.
[Image description: The protagonist bee from the 'Bee Movie' does the peace out gesture.] Via GIPHY.

19. Love this conversation

A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: Where exactly is Heaven? Answer: i would ask god this question. Follow up question: How can I ask God if he's in Heaven and I don't know how to get there?
[Image description: A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: Where exactly is Heaven? Answer: i would ask god this question. Follow-up question: How can I ask God if he's in Heaven and I don't know how to get there?] Via Yahoo! Answers.

How indeed. If only we knew too.

Mark Wahlberg thinks 'How?'
[Image description: Mark Wahlberg thinks 'How?'] Via GIPHY.

20. Answering questions with questions

A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: What is the best large mammal? I don't mean "what kind of large mammal is the best", like "a hippo", but rather which one animal in particular is the best? Could be a whale, an elephant, anything large. Answer: Which unanswerable question is the best?  And which unanswerable question is unanswerable because it is totally meaningless?
[Image description: A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: What is the best large mammal? I don't mean "what kind of large mammal is the best", like "a hippo", but rather which one animal in particular is the best? Could be a whale, an elephant, anything large. Answer: Which unanswerable question is the best?  And which unanswerable question is unanswerable because it is totally meaningless?] Via Yahoo! Answers.

Unanswerable is right.

Actress Renata Sorrah looks confused while math symbols float around her head.
[Image description: Actress Renata Sorrah looks confused while math symbols float around her head.] Via GIPHY.

21. And finally, my favorite

A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: What's something not supposed to have a head? Answer: Anne Boleyn's ghost.
[Image description: A Yahoo! Answers screenshot. Question: What's something not supposed to have a head? Answer: Anne Boleyn's ghost.] Via Yahoo! Answers.

Take a bow, Yahoo Answers!

Serena Williams wears a crown.
[Image description: Serena Williams wears a crown.] Via GIPHY.

I had a great time collecting these questions and answers—even if my faith in humanity was tested a couple of times. I'm not too sad about Yahoo Answers shutting down because if I know anything it's this: There will always be a place for randomness on the Internet.


  • Supreeta Balasubramanian

    Supreeta Balasubramanian grew up in Dubai, studied in Dubai, India and London and now lives in Chennai, India. She has a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science Engineering and an MA in Creative Writing and Publishing. Her true passions are proofreading, editing, writing and reading. She enjoys words and would love to live the rest of her life playing with them!

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