We comment.
We share.
We debate.
We Google.
The puzzle becomes viral not because it’s complicated—but because it’s elegantly deceptive.
The moment someone posts the answer, a wave of reactions follows:
“Ohhh.”
“That’s so obvious.”
“I can’t believe I didn’t get that.”
The brain rewards us for solving puzzles. That tiny burst of satisfaction—sometimes called a dopamine hit—makes us want to share the experience with others.
And so the cycle continues.
Other Classic Riddles That Use the Same Trick
This isn’t the only puzzle that hinges on linguistic ambiguity.
Consider this one:
A plane crashes on the border between the United States and Canada. Where are the survivors buried?
The answer: Nowhere. Survivors aren’t buried.
Again, the riddle doesn’t trick you with complex math or obscure knowledge. It relies on a quick assumption—that survivors are victims.
Or this classic:
