This article was originally published on Kueez
Mother nature usually knows what she is doing when it comes to faces. Kids look more or less their age, and people over 40 usually have their own tale-tell signs. Age is not supposed to be a total mystery. But when there's a fluke, it can be a blessing or a curse, but absolutely mind-boggling to witness. Every case is unique: Let's take a look at timeless folks out there who confused the internet far and wide, Benjamin Button style. Prepare to have your mind completely blown!
This Girl Made 40 Under 40 in Only Fourth Grade
Getting older and looking like it is just a part of life. A wise man once said: "Wrinkles will only go where the smiles have been." It's a charming notion, to be sure. But does that really make sense for a nine-year-old?
Fair or not, something absolutely odd is happening to the youngster in this photo. Online, one cheeky husband shared it to let the world know that his wife was "a 40-year-old receptionist in 4th grade." Does that seem like an accurate description?
This Baby Is Absolutely Geriatric and We’re Not Sure Why
Just how fast do newborns develop? Doctors can easily explain the topic. Your baby should gain between 1.5 to 2 pounds each month. You can also expect 2 to 3 inches of growth. Also, you can expect him to look like an old man by month three.
Wait, that's not right. No infant should look elderly! This photo posted online confused every person who saw it. Something has to be done, they said. The world's first botox baby just doesn't seem right. But can anyone explain these wrinkles?
She’s Only 7 Here but Clearly Wise Beyond Her Years
Age is just a number, they say. Are they right? When it comes to this picture, the theory may now have some proof for the skeptics. Here, a seven-year-old poses for a school glamour shot. But how old does she look, really?
According to the internet, she is 55. Why middle age? It's a combination of hair, makeup, accessories, and sequins. And then, there's her confidence. People felt her maturity really shined through. But they were wrong, since she is, in fact, seven.
The 1980s Often Seems Like It Was Just Full of Elderly Kids
Nintendo was all the rage in the mid-80s, and we get it. Going from a tiny Game Boy to a full TV screen of fun was absolutely major. One boy posed for a picture when he received this gift for his birthday. Notice anything odd?
With the whole photo in view, we can see it is a child. But if we were to crop his head and put it on an old man's body, you wouldn't question it. What's up with the '80s, you guys?
This Man Is Youthful Yet Old and We Hate It
It's crime time: This mugshot hit the net, and the world freaked out. Something is not quite right here, everyone agreed. The photo is a mix of old, young, man, boy, girl, and woman, all at the same time. Yikes!
Evidently, this man was photographed against his will and against a wall. That's what happens when you get arrested, rumor has it. But whatever he did seems to be upstaged by his bizarre, natural look. We are truly unable to guess his birth year here.
This Grad In Red Really Has That Rapid Aging Talent
It's time for another graduation portrait, people. This one comes to us courtesy of a 30-year-old mom who went through an old album to find evidence. She just wanted to show everyone that she wasn't lying. She did, in fact, look like 30 at age 13.
Oh, you thought this was high school? It's middle school, everybody. It's the cap and gown for 8th-grade graduation. We can see why this woman posted the picture, at least for her own amusement. Her case is rare, and people were shocked. No one can blame them!
This Guy Looks Like He Got Held Back Ten Times
Growing up, there were always kids who looked older than their peers. Some girls became women in middle school. Some guys started to grow thin, hideous peach fuzz. But what is going on in this yearbook? It appears a fully grown man has snuck into 8th-grade classes for some reason.
This is middle school, and that's not a man. He just has the genes for an impressive beard, and he hasn't tried to shave. Odds are, this is going to be the designated cigarette and booze buyer for his underage buddies. Who would ever question him? He's perfect!
This High Schooler Is Not Actually a Middle Aged Dad
Another timeless treasure. The grown-up who posted this photo captioned it with a little history. He shared: "This is why I never had a girlfriend in high school. I looked 35 when I was 14." Upon close inspection, we tend to agree!
Why? A few key reasons. First, he looks too grumpy to be a teen. And there's just something about his baggy tee and shorts that only a father could love. The glasses, too, are a signal that middle age is coming. A little early for all that, buddy.
Timing Is Everything When You Want to Avoid Old Face
Online, this young teen captioned a photograph, "Me at 14 looking 40." Friends may have thought it was a joke, created with a funny filter. But no: The picture was snapped in real-time, and no editing occurred. How did this boy age so fast?
A little context will go a long way, in this case. Gravity and a trampoline always make our faces jiggle around. Here, the camera caught things at just the right split second to create an illusion: The oldest high school freshman ever seen!
She’s a Middle Schooler but Looks the Same as the Moms
There's an old saying: "It's not how old you are. It's how you are old." Wise words. And with that in mind, we need to talk about this picture. How is this middle schooler old? Let us count the ways.
There is the hairdo for old ladies. The earrings and feathers remind us of a Las Vegas showgirl. Her makeup is rather mature, too. Overall, none of this communicates childhood. Someone wash this child and put her in the overalls she deserves!
This Fellow Confused His Best Bud With a Childhood Photo
We all had an ugly duckling phase before we became the beautiful swans we are today. Some people had it rougher than others. And some people looked like their moms, aged thirty years into the future. Actually just one guy. This guy, right here.
This was one fellow at the tender age of 10 in a silly wig. After forwarding the photo to a friend, he got a surprising reply: "I thought it was your mother." It's odd, but he does look older when he was younger, somehow.
No Can Believe This Girl Is 22 Going on 12
Ladies often love it when they are told they don't look their true age. But when you're in your 20s and you look like you are in your preteens, it is less thrilling. In this situation, excessive youth just presents problems.
Online, someone captioned this photo: "My sister is 22 Going On 12." Here, we can see how getting into a bar would be a hassle, even with an ID. Hopefully, she leaves that bunny behind when she tries. She just looks so naturally young already!
Missing Hair at an Early Age Can Really Confuse Strangers
Male pattern baldness is a compound phrase no guy likes to hear. It happens because of genetics and hormones, and about half their friends will wind up with shiny heads by age 50. Usually, that physical change happens after high school, though.
Here, a rare exception has been found. Where? On the internet, of course. One user shared this photo with a caption: "My dad started balding at around 17 lol." What a stroke of bad luck. Who would believe he is still a teen. at first sight?
This Body Builder Is Absolutely of Age and We’re Disturbed
It's always interesting when a person looks much old or much younger than their birth age. But when someone somehow looks both older and younger at the same time, that's a real brainteaser. Here, one gym jock has achieved the impossible: His face looks a decade younger than his own body!
Above the neck, we have a middle schooler. But below, we have a fully grown champion. The contradiction here has no obvious explanation. Is he a boy with incredible muscle genetics? Or is this an adult cursed with baby face? It's time for science to investigate. This is above our paygrade!
It’s Wild How Genetics Influences the Aging Process for All of Us
In the past 18 years, only a few things have changed here. The 30-year-old woman holding a photo of herself at 12 has made the decision to get braids and a nosering. But other than that, her face has barely evolved at all!
What's her secret? According to her, it's just genetic. And that's terrible news for the rest of us. We would all hope this trick is available in a cream or a serum, but we know it isn't. Can science get on that, please?
19 Year Old Teen Fathers Sure Used to Look Different
Sometimes, it seems like past generations were more mature at an earlier age. They got married and bought houses when they were pretty young. They had lots of kids before they were 30. And us? Well, most of us are still working it out.
Sometimes, people even seemed to look older at a younger stage. Here, one gal found a picture of her own father at age 19. This man is a teenager. Or rather, this teenager is a man. It's pretty confusing, and we apologize.
Wearing Granny Sweaters Can Really Complicate the Age Guessing Game
Sometimes, we can make ourselves look older through a bad haircut or excessive makeup. No one wants to age prematurely if it's a simple mistake like that. But we often overlook one other question: Is our wardrobe making us look like an absolute granny?
One woman posted a throwback picture online, admitting that she liked to rock old lady sweaters. Indeed, she is doing that here. And that practical, manageable hairdo combined with pearls seal her fate. It seems to have prematurely ended her childhood!
This Baby-Faced Teacher Just Can’t Get Any Respect in the Hall
In South Korea, there is still a strong culture of respecting their elders. That makes it all the more devastating for this man here, who was mistaken for a student. But he is not a student. He is, in fact, a teacher at the school!
A TV crew seems to have invaded the hallway, for some reason, and they have a few questions. They found this fellow sitting at a lunch table and inquired why he was so tall. Was he a sixth-grader, perhaps? In the end, all involved were surprised to find that he was actually one of the teachers.
Big Beards Are Age Camouflage for Men Throughout Their Lives
Women who hate little chins are often wary of beards. It's the easiest way to hide the truth, when it comes to age, too. What is this man trying to hide here? We need to know his true age, please.
Shockingly, the answer is 18. He's just a senior in high school, but he looks like he is almost 40. In this case, shaving might do the boy some good. There are all sorts of spaces people will claim he can't enter, but at least he will look his age!
As a Preteen, She Already Looks Like a Chic Lady
Most of us spend our youth trying to work out our signature style. It's hard to decide between preppy and sporty, goth or hipster. Some teens experiment with it all before they settle on their fashion identity. We've all been there, haven't we?
Here, one twelve-year-old doesn't seem interested in any of the classic categories. She has gone straight to rich lady, not even rich girl. She looks like she is on a Beverly Hills shopping trip. But she's just a preteen in her room, being silly and sweet. Hard to tell at first glance!
Being a Teen in the ‘30s Looks Pretty Mature Somehow
In the past, girls grew up fast, Many got married by age 18, or even sooner. It's hard to imagine how people looked at them and thought they were ready for that stage of life. But suddenly, this vintage photo has us more confused than ever.
This portrait was shared online by the granddaughter of the subject. She informs us that granny was only 14 at the time this was taken in 1935. It's hard to believe that, but we're going to take her word for it. Youth seems like a totally different concept, nowadays!
This Middle Aged Birthday Girl Discovered the Fountain of Youth
Fabulous at fifty is a phrase most of us hope to hear one day. It's hard to accept that we change as time goes on. But in the best case, we don't change all that much. Take this birthday photo, for example.
It's impressive — maybe too impressive. Come on, something has to be wrong here. Even the best genes can't explain this aging miracle, in our opinion. Could it be that she is just a youngster standing in front of mom's balloons?
Someone Please Tell Us if This Is a Teen or His Father
The businessman looks like he is dressed for some serious negotiation. His hair is perfectly combed with a side part, and he's got a suit and tie ready to go. His smile communicates confidence, which is a great first step for success. There's just one problem, and it's age-related.
According to his child, years later, this is a photo of dad at age 17. Some people claim that humans used to age faster in the past. You may believe this already, or you may dispute it. But add this example to the pile of evidence, right now!
When You Truly Look Decades Older in a Family Photo
Family photos are a chance to capture the love between mom, dad, brother, and sister. Sometimes, the dog is involved, too. We look back and cringe at some of the fashion, years later, but it's always important to have evidence from past periods. It's special, even.
It's alarming to learn the story behind this picture. Several generations have gathered together for a pose. In the back, parents stand with their 12-year old who looks at least 35. She's just a middle schooler, and it's freaking everyone out!
That Guy We All Know Who Went Grey in His 20s
We all have a favorite silver fox. Maybe it's George Clooney, or Richard Gere. Maybe it's our boss at work. Whoever it is, the advanced age doesn't look so bad on them, for some reason. It's an enhancement, in these cases.
For this recent college grad, that's all theoretical. He's only 26, and he already has a whole lot of grey. Do the ladies his age want salt and pepper on a guy their age? Sadly, it's without the usual package deal: Status, experience, and wisdom. And dad jokes!
When You May Be 36 or 6 and No One Knows
As kids, some of us dreamed of becoming an astronaut, or president of the world. For most people, life brings realism. It's so sad that we leave some, or all, of our youthful aspirations behind. Is there any hope to recapture that magic?
Yes, at least for one 36-year-old new author. Pictured here, hope is alive for all of us. She always wanted to publish a kids' novel. Proudly posing with her creation, she almost glows. She also almost looks 7 years old. What's up with that?
The Most Rugged Sweet Sixteen We’ve Ever Witnessed in a Pic
There is no way to know someone's age for sure, but common clues help us guess. You can look at the build of a man and his mustache, or lack thereof. You can listen to the sound of his voice. And sometimes, personal style can be a giveaway.
This time, the signs are a bit misleading. The stache and beard combo is mature. The blazer seems to confirm the idea that this is a man. But as it turns out, we are looking at a high schooler. People probably address him as sir in public, but we wouldn't blame them. The title suits him!
This Woman Is 28 Years Old and We Just Don’t Understand
Birthdays get a little less exciting as the years go on for many. After sweet sixteen and twenty-one, there are fewer obvious milestones. Driving a car and drinking a beer was a big deal, no doubt. But what does 28 really mean?
Truthfully, most people don't make big deal out of it. But for this birthday girl, the entire internet joined in on her special day. Everyone seemed to have the same comment: She looked young for her age. In fact, she looks underage!
Actor Michael Cera Has Always Been Adorable Yet Old Looking
Actor Michael Cera once shared: The thing is, I really can't relate to anyone my own age. Not in a superior way — an inferior way, if anything. Socially, I have no idea what my friends are talking about. I don't listen to any new music. I feel very secluded."
Why did he feel that way so early? Looking at this vintage pic for clues, we can see an obvious problem. Michael looks so much older in the face. He lacks wrinkles, but there's definitely a touch of elderly there.
This Baby and His Mom Look Similar in Age and It’s Creepy
Like mother, like daughter. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Our society has all sorts of phrases that evolved to describe similarities between parent and child. Sometimes, a resemblance just cannot be denied. Does any of that apply here?
It seems to be relevant in a strange way, yes. Even though we are looking at an infant and a grown woman, something about their faces seems the same, age-wise. Mom is 31, and baby is less than one. No one here looks their age!
This Girl Is 14 and Everyone Rightly Finds That Hard to Believe
Youth is the time to go wild with pink hair and piercings. One freshman decided that she would forgo all that, for something unconventional. Is this a middle-aged secretary? No, it's actually not. This girl's only 14, and the internet could hardly believe their eyes.
Starting with her haircut, it hardly makes a youthful statement. Her glasses are extremely professional, for a person that was recently playing with barbies. And the outfit is way too mature. Seems like a case for the fashion police, special victims unit! Where are all the sparkles and shimmer? Who stole this girl's sense of color?
This Man Obviously Has Great Genes to Look This Fresh
Men rarely freak out about aging the way that women do. Looking younger than your real years might even be a hindrance, in their case. Do girls take you seriously if you look younger than them? Usually, no.
This elder Millenial was analyzed by the internet community. No one can quite believe he is 38, but here he is. Does this help him date college girls? Does he qualify for student deals at the mall? Our verdict is yes and yes.
This Teen Girl Isn’t Old Enough to Drive a Car
Youth is wasted on the young, a funny man once said. Is that a fact? Anyone young will probably dispute the idea. Older folks will insist it's true. And this girl right here will tell you she is just 15. Wait, what?
Yes, that's right. This teen was captured on camera singing at a microphone in the community. But oddly, she looks like she is old enough to be her own mom. The combo did her in: It's the hair, the glasses, and who knows what else.
The Age of the Female in This Photo Is Truly Unclear
When a banana is yellow, we know it's time for a smoothie. When someone has a face full of wrinkles, we know they have old-timey stories to share. Age is a marker across nature that simply helps us know what is going on. Is that so much to ask?
It truly is not. It's the least we can expect from the universe. But one girl has decided to mess that all up. Pictured here, she is only 12 years old — but she looks at least 32, in our opinion. Why, oh why?
Her Husband Look Like Her Son but He Sure Isn’t
Birthdays are a perfectly good time to post on social media. Without any hesitation, one woman innocently wished her husband a happy birthday. What followed was a storm of disbelief from the web. We have to admit, we also have questions!
Phrased "26 years young," it's clear she knows the comments behind his back. She's happy to be with this totally grown man by her side. But we can't help but imagine people get the wrong idea sometimes. Like, is this legal?
This Is Actually Not an Old or Young Asian Female
It's hard to say for sure who we are looking at here. Is it a young woman? An old woman? Anyone could be forgiven for either conclusion. But the truth is much stranger, altogether. This right here is a photo of a 13-year old boy. Don't believe us?
Shared online, this picture got a lot of attention right away. Observers couldn't quite put their finger on the problem. They knew it didn't make sense to their eyes or their minds. The boy's face and neck just seem so much older than his stated age. Look at it!
The Age Difference Between the Bride and Groom Only Seems Extreme
She has decided to have and to hold him forevermore. For better or for worse, she will be there. For richer or poorer, too. And if he gets sick, she will be right by his side. Is this his mom, or his lawfully wedded wife? From the photo, it's entirely unclear.
For legal purposes, we are sure they worked it all out. But it's disturbing to the eye. Online, the photo was captioned: "This guy getting ready for the first look even though I am convinced he is 14 years old." Are you convinced as well?
Everyone in This Pic Looks Fifty but They Are Not
Behold, another vintage birthday photo to examine. The internet did its duty and found the discrepancies. Looking at the people here, no one knows if this was a table of moms, or a mom and daughter. What do you think?
The evidence goes both ways, since the old photo is faded. Is that beer, or orange soda in the pitcher? Is that a lady in red, or not? It could be a retirement party. It could also be a child celebrating her 10th year on this planet. Be honest. You're no more sure than we are.
We Believe That Vampires Are Real After Seeing This Split
Back in the day, there was no social media. And for that reason, returning to a high school reunion really yielded some surprises. People looked completely different after all the years went by. It's only natural. It's actually the circle of life.
Here, one group of friends defies all norms. From middle school to high school to adulthood, no one has really changed, especially the guy with the baseball hat. It's so eerie that it raises some questions: Are these fellows undead? Will they live for hundreds of years? Do they even know how to sit in a different table arrangement?