# Error-Making Excellence Emblems 'Awkward Merit Badges' Will Make You Reminisce on Your Mistakes By Harris Jay Rosenberg Alterman | Published 2012-04-18 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/awkward-merit-badges References: [ufunk.net](http://www.ufunk.net/humour/awkward-merit-badges/) & [pleated-jeans](http://pleated-jeans.com/) Blogging site 'Pleated-Jeans' has designed a line of imaginary 'Awkward Merit Badges' that will make everyone feel better about their awkward run-ins. All of the [patches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/patch-cap) will appeal to a wide audience, as each social error identified is extremely common. Almost everyone has earned the "Food in Teeth" badge and the "Called Someone the Wrong Name" Badge. The higher levels of merit include earning honors such as "Thought Stranger Was Waving at You" and " Best Friend is Pet." Collecting all of these badges is not exactly something to be proud of, but Pleated Jeans makes it so you know you're not alone. Furthermore, the series engages in a sort of [self-deprecating humor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/league-losers) that is not only popular right now, but adds just the right amount of lightheartedness. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.5/10 - Popularity: 75% | Activity: 83% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Humor](https://www.trendhunter.com/humor) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Imaginary Awkward Merit Badges:** Creating imaginary merit badges for common social errors can provide a unique way for people to acknowledge and laugh at their own mistakes. - **Self-deprecating Humor:** The use of self-deprecating humor in products or content can be a popular and effective way to engage with audiences. - **Collectible Badge Culture:** The popularity of collecting badges or patches can be leveraged to create unique and relatable products that resonate with consumers. ### Sectors Adopting This - **E-commerce:** E-commerce platforms can offer a range of imaginary awkward merit badges for purchase, capitalizing on the trend. - **Fashion/apparel:** Fashion and apparel brands can incorporate imaginary awkward merit badges into their designs as a playful and relatable accessory. - **Social Media/content Creation:** Social media influencers or content creators can create and share their own imaginary awkward merit badges, engaging their followers in a relatable and humorous way. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Candid Celebration Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/theres-an-edible-for-that.md) - [Limited-Edition April Fool's Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oops-collection.md) - [Imperfect Cooking Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/effortiseverything.md) - [Playing Card Blemish Patches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jeumont-blemish-patches.md) - [Cookie-Paired Beer Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beer-badge.md) - [Empathic Emporium Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fml-store.md) - [Humorous Brand Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikea-rewards-program.md) - [Collectible Pimple Patches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/squishmallows-blemish-patches.md) - [Cringe-Worthy Photo Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cringe-or-candy.md)