Catfishing is nothing new. Back before the internet, people would just lie about themselves over the phone or even better, in person. Now, thanks to the world wide web, we can get our fix of pretending to be hotter, funnier, and cooler without even leaving our homes!
That said, it’s an artform, and some people aren’t exactly born with the gift. It takes a special kind of individual to be able to make up a complete lie about themselves and be convincing. While most people fail at fooling someone, a lesson is always learned.
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Here are a few key lessons and players in the catfish game. I’m not saying I condone it. I’m not saying I’ve done it. And I’m absolutely not saying you should do it. But like all things, if you’re going to go down that road, be sure to do it right.
1. This girl who totally played along.
It’s one thing to catfish. It’s a whole other thing to ask the person you’re pretending to be to help you catfish. If I was her, though, I’d ask to get a cut of the goods.
2. The person who realized that you can’t use random Tumblr pictures.
If you can find it under stock photos or a quick image search, it’s not a good picture. Not that I know from experience or anything…
3. The guy who learned that anyone’s legs can look good in heels.
Shaved legs and high heels are the secrets to ruling the world. Hopefully, this guy’s wife decides to take her legs to someone more deserving though.
4. Jake Gyllenhaal and Amy Schumer.
No one as hot as Jake Gyllenhaal can be real. Amy was right to be suspicious.
5. The mom who just wanted to be a cool mom.
Let’s be real: Befriending your parents on Facebook was totally lame in middle school. Still, this mom deserves props for her impressive fake profile.
6. Melisandre.
Our girl isn’t quite the hottie we thought she was. Still, the fact that she looks that good after 400 years is saying something. Tell us your secrets, Mel!
7. The guy who dated a guy.
Hey, who needs labels? Let’s just be jealous of the fact that he was dating anyone.
8. Anyone who gets contacted by the show Catfish.
You know your catfishing is getting serious when they want to put it on TV. Still, it’s nice to be appreciated for all of your hard work, right?
9. Georgina Sparks.
No character in the history of television pretends to be more people than she does. It’s sort of messed up but also, you can’t help but respect it.
10. The person who didn’t totally think through the generic football picture.
Pro tip: If the person you’re pretending to be is even somewhat famous, don’t pretend to be them. Seems simple enough.
11. This deceitful bag of chips.
Who do you think you are? Running around leaving scars? Shelling out lies of carbs?
12. This suspicious looking dating profile.
I don’t know, guys. He looks fun, and I love his beard, but something just doesn’t seem right.
13. Any friend who is willing to fake an entire identity.
Sucks that your girlfriend isn’t loyal. But having a friend like that? That’s even better.
14. When Bart totally catfished his teacher.
This is why you don’t put ads out in the newspaper. This is also why you shouldn’t be a character on The Simpsons .
15. The creators of the show, Catfish.
They took faking entire identities and strangers falling in love with each other to a whole new level. And for that, we thank them.
16. This PhotoShop pro.
I give you all the credit in the world for at least trying to make this more legit!
17. This girl who studies Modelist.
Where exactly is Kansas, Canada?
18. This glorious little catch.
I wouldn’t even be mad tbh.
19. Kudos to every catfish ever.
You know what you’re doing, and you do it well.
