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Seeing something cringeworthy is like watching a trainwreck. It’s uncomfortable and unpleasant, yet you can’t seem to take your eyes off of it. 

If this forgettable mishap happened in the digital realm, it may have been broadcast in the Cringetopia subreddit. As the name suggests, it’s an online group that immortalizes people’s embarrassing situations. 

We’ve collected some of the posts that stood out. These may amplify feelings of secondhand shame or induce a headshake of disappointment. Scroll through and see which resonates with you the most.

#1

W H I T E P E O P L E A M I R I G H T!!!

W H I T E P E O P L E A M I R I G H T!!!

PrimaryCommon2972 Report

mandy the capibara
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are sadly serious ethical issues involved with the practice of adoption, especially from developing countries. Luckily, the difference of skin colour between parents and children isn't one of them.

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    #2

    He's Also 1 Million Times More Useful Than She'll Ever Be

    He's Also 1 Million Times More Useful Than She'll Ever Be

    reddit.com Report

    Ge Po
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd rather have a partner who is generous, earns a steady income, who's concerned about my well-being and at the same time challenges me to become a better me, than some hot guy who only cares about his looks and popularity. Not that all hot guys are that way, but: looks does not the man make. Attitude does.

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    #3

    Keep Your Neck

    Keep Your Neck

    cutestnataliee Report

    Alexandra Nara
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    so marry your stalker that don't accept your borders? Sound like a happy marriage 🙄🙄

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    We cringe because of vicarious embarrassment (a.k.a. secondhand shame). But according to clinical psychologist Dr. Marielle Collins, there is an upside to it. 

    “That’s the concept of empathy,” she said in an interview with the Cleveland Clinic. “Our brains are wired to be able to simulate the emotional experiences of other people and feel what another person is feeling.”

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    #4

    Cultural Appropriation

    Cultural Appropriation

    Schxdenfreude Report

    Virgil Blue
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not only that, the Japanese government made a statement that the man is a revered master and a honored friend of Japan for keeping ancient musical traditions alive. Also of note: Not only was the game and western developer praised by the Japanese for being a great representation of the actual Island and culture, the developers were made honorary ambassadors for setting up a donation drive to repair the islands historical locations after a big storm damaged the island.

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    #5

    The Woman Is The Cringe One Here, In Case Anyone Is Confused

    The Woman Is The Cringe One Here, In Case Anyone Is Confused

    lordofthehamstrings Report

    Livingwithcfs
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some people just take things too far. If someone holds a door open for you just say thank you. It honestly doesn't matter if it's male or female because it's good manners. Getting in a s**t about it is bad manners

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    #6

    Gatekeeping... A Language?

    Gatekeeping... A Language?

    reddit.com Report

    Isabel Galvez
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm Spanish, Spanish is my native language and and very white. And also, there're lots of very white people in Latinoamerica.

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    But there’s also a reason why seeing something cringeworthy feels like listening to fingernails running down a chalkboard. Here’s an explanation from Dr. Collins: 

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    “A lot of times, these feelings can come with anxiety and a fear of negative social evaluation. Anxiety can be distressing and may get in the way of whatever you’re doing in the moment.”

    #8

    Cringe Post Followed By A Funny

    Cringe Post Followed By A Funny

    reddit.com Report

    similarly
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm assuming this whole post is BS just to get a reaction from people.

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    #9

    What Were They Thinking?

    What Were They Thinking?

    TopMindOfR3ddit Report

    Iampenny
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Popo means "butt" in German - just saying.

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    Since secondhand embarrassment can be an anxiety trigger, Dr. Collins says it could be problematic if you’re already dealing with the disorder. 

    “Witnessing someone else experiencing embarrassment could increase anxious thoughts about whether a similar experience could happen to you and activate your body’s stress response.”

    #10

    $4k Rent

    $4k Rent

    Kalibribois Report

    #11

    Facepalm

    Facepalm

    lolololoxxxxx Report

    Iampenny
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can confirm that period pain is worse, and I'm clumsy AF and have rolled my ankles a lot (even tore a ligament doing so)

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    #12

    Hysteria Has Always Been Everywhere

    Hysteria Has Always Been Everywhere

    reddit.com Report

    Lyone Fein
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Somehow in my mind Satan, Santa, Satin are all mixed up together. And now that we're throwing tornadoes into the mix, I have a very distressing image of flying reindeer in there too.

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    If vicarious embarrassment puts you on edge, Dr. Collins shared some tips on how to handle it properly. It begins with reframing emotions. 

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    “When we experience emotions that are uncomfortable, we often think they are ‘bad,’ and that makes us even more anxious as we try to get rid of it, increasing distress,” she explained.  

    “It can help to have a more mindful approach by acknowledging how we are feeling in the moment without judgment and allowing the emotion to pass.”

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    #13

    Dork A** Losers

    Dork A** Losers

    rayan2002 Report

    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To be fair, a dress that manages to almost reveal the capillaries, and magically perky booobs; a woman sculptor wouldn't have been my first guess either.

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    #14

    She Is Not The Cringe But Those 6k Neck Beards Are! I Freaking Love Her Idea

    She Is Not The Cringe But Those 6k Neck Beards Are! I Freaking Love Her Idea

    BigPapaPage716 Report

    similarly
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Now I really want to hear her piano cover.

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    #15

    Want Another Baby But Your Husband Doesn't? Just Get Him Drunk

    Want Another Baby But Your Husband Doesn't? Just Get Him Drunk

    Had2-4kKarmaOnOldAcc Report

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    Dealing with anxiety is primarily about recognizing when it begins to manifest. This also applies to the distress from feeling secondhand shame. For this, Dr. Collins recommends the STOP technique.

    This simple method involves four steps: stop what you’re doing, take a breath, observe what’s happening to your body, and proceed mindfully.

    #16

    Yikes

    Yikes

    reddit.com Report

    Virgil Blue
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My tale would be "mate, kindly p×ss off I'm having some quality alone time. Now away."

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    #17

    Imagine The Conversation

    Imagine The Conversation

    hdurant Report

    Simona M.
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Haha, something like that could easily happen to me. Sometimes I get all excited about hearing a cat in the street, and then I turn around and see a small child.

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    #18

    It’s Actually Quite Sophisticated Stuff

    It’s Actually Quite Sophisticated Stuff

    reddit.com Report

    Alicia M
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This man needs to go back and read her original statement. 🤣

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    As Dr. Collins explains, the STOP technique makes you effectively take notice when anxiety and self-judgment from secondhand embarrassment begin to creep in. 

    “When we go down a rabbit hole with our thoughts and emotions, it can all end up being amplified. This STOP technique helps you move in a more helpful direction by pausing for a minute to stop whatever stream of thought you’re having.”

    #19

    So Much For Independent

    So Much For Independent

    StickDynamite Report

    Nannychachi
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She needs to change her name to Money Grubbing Wh*re.

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    #20

    Easy Mistake

    Easy Mistake

    DeintegrateBaseball Report

    Lance LaRocque
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Who believes this person still has there v-card?

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    #21

    Those Damn Scorpios

    Those Damn Scorpios

    reddit.com Report

    ZGutr
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    and STILL people wonder why I love dogs so much

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    However, some people don’t feel secondhand shame. But does that mean they lack empathy? Psychotherapist James Hartley has an answer to this question. 

    “It could be that they are on the other end of the spectrum genetically, or their environment didn’t develop their empathy in childhood much, but it could also be that they have learned how to have boundaries with their sense of self,” Hartley told Refinery29.

    #22

    People Think That Negro Refers To The Racial Slur

    People Think That Negro Refers To The Racial Slur

    Bushboiwilly Report

    Iren
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What will happen if they find out about Montenegro?

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    #23

    Whitewashing

    Whitewashing

    reddit.com Report

    Virgil Blue
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Evolution noticed those bits of skin were almost always out of the sun and decided to call it an day when applying the melanin.

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    #24

    Whats The Point Of This

    Whats The Point Of This

    Supra360 Report

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    #25

    I Hate This Sub But This Fits Here So

    I Hate This Sub But This Fits Here So

    reddit.com Report

    Fat Harry (Oi / You)
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm convinced that not a single woman alive finds that cringey role play s**t a turn-on.

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    #26

    The Definition Of L

    The Definition Of L

    reddit.com Report

    SCamp
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Am I right in saying the internship was subsequently rescinded as a result?

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    #27

    Literal Cringe Face

    Literal Cringe Face

    jhovudu1 Report

    HangryHangryHippo
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh damn! English is not my first language and maybe I'm missing something... but I'm assuming it was "puberty"?

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    #28

    Cardi B Approves This Message

    Cardi B Approves This Message

    __Dawn__Amber__ , x.com Report

    Pink Princess
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The last person is the only sane one in the picture

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    #29

    When You Just Want A Legitimate Business

    When You Just Want A Legitimate Business

    Acobbsalad Report

    Iampenny
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Every Thai Massage salon in the town I live in here in Germany has a sign saying "no erotic" due to this.

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    #31

    He Must Not Have Been A Real Man

    He Must Not Have Been A Real Man

    BlanketMage Report

    David
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If your blind date brings 23 people with them - why would you even sit down to eat? I'd leave before the meal was ordered.

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    #32

    Just Stop

    Just Stop

    reddit.com Report

    WindySwede
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And then BP posts him here also? 🤷‍♂️

    Lauren Caswell
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They've posted him in so many threads I'm losing count 🤦‍♀️

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    Ace
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Imagine a middle-aged man posting a picture of a pretty young girl like that.

    FROGLET
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dear Men: Women do not want your attention. Dear Women: Men do not want your attention.

    Eli
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is one of the Sprouse twins...

    Svenne O'Lotta
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My guy, that is literally Cole Sprouse

    Angi
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How do you know it's Cole? Honestly asking I can't tell them apart when one is alone.

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    Riley Quinn
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I understand how a lot of women think it's payback time after centuries of being subjugated, but there are other, more effective, strategies than lowering yourselves to their lowest traits.

    Ronald
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Girls can any man, pretty much. men have trouble....

    something
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    poor guy cant even get on a train without creepy ladies hitting on him

    me McG
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well ---- after all, you were on the floor of a train snapping pictures.

    Alley Cat
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    dont downvote me for this, but he IS cute

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    #33

    How Does This Even Happen

    How Does This Even Happen

    local_parcel Report

    Tucker Cahooter
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The next text will purportedly be from the "coroner"

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    #34

    Wow Real Help

    Wow Real Help

    obstantial_is_thy Report

    KaiPonpon
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You either pay us or the hospital! Your choice :) /j (hope that's the right tag, still learning)

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    #35

    Gatekeeping Children’s Names?

    Gatekeeping Children’s Names?

    Slader111 Report

    LiterallyJustKen
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ah yes, the single most important woman on the earth.

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    #36

    Cringe

    Cringe

    neilhimself , x.com Report

    Spidercat
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I got criticism once for choosing Who/What? as my preferred pronouns. The person who asked me failed to specify gender pronouns and was genuinely stunned to discover that other pronouns exist in the English language... 🤣🤣🤣

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    #37

    But I Have 11k Followers!

    But I Have 11k Followers!

    ParticularAd4039 Report

    Lance LaRocque
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wonder if it's legal to put in your menu influencers asking for discounts must pay triple the posted prices and 25% automatic tip.

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    #38

    What Is Even The Human Race Anymore

    What Is Even The Human Race Anymore

    _carter05 Report

    Virgil Blue
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No, pretty sure this was"the girl with no brain"

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    #39

    Vegans Forgot To Read Food Chain In Schhol

    Vegans Forgot To Read Food Chain In Schhol

    Jyaten Report

    Annik Perrot
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And tyrannosauruses ate grass. Wait, guess they don't believe in dinosaurs either...

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    #40

    Notice At An Anime Convention

    Notice At An Anime Convention

    CRI0ST0IR Report

    Virgil Blue
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As a con goer. Please take this advice. You know who you are.

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    #41

    This Is A Classic "Ooof" Moment

    This Is A Classic "Ooof" Moment

    VivienneAnnette Report

    Ellinor
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I shaved my hair everyone at my school asked me if it was : cancer, military, my parents forcing me... In their narrow minded heads it just couldn't have been by choice. (I precise that I was in a small countryside school and was previously in an art school so the difference between me and my classmates was WILD)

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    #42

    That Is A Good Question

    That Is A Good Question

    percy___potter Report

    Nannychachi
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I swear I just wanna slap up on the underside of her chin and make her bite her tongue.

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    #43

    This Would Haunt Me For The Rest Of My Life

    This Would Haunt Me For The Rest Of My Life

    reddit.com , x.com Report

    Pheyonagh
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    More embarrassing than having your assets frozen and being sued by the uk dept of health? Bet she wish it was

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    #44

    I Can Do It But You Can’t

    I Can Do It But You Can’t

    Grant_w1999 Report

    Zoe Vokes
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why date somebody if you don’t trust them not to cheat? Or if you feel so insecure that friends can’t wear makeup around them?

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    #45

    Sheesh

    Sheesh

    frrtcht Report

    Virgil Blue
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Better get tested for some other things too if that is the way you handle all your interactions.

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    #46

    Height Of Stupidity

    Height Of Stupidity

    percy___potter Report

    WindySwede
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Also she thinks earth is flat? Seek scientific help!

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    #47

    Twitter User Discovers Empathy

    Twitter User Discovers Empathy

    Goofyjeff4 , x.com Report

    #48

    Logic Not Found

    Logic Not Found

    CucumberDay Report

    SerumSeven
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Excuse me, Mr. Waiter, sir? Will you please escort this woman out and bring me some pie?"

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    #49

    Seems Legit

    Seems Legit

    RandyLongsocksMcgee Report

    Amy
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Do those last 3 lines make no sense, or am I having a stroke?

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    #50

    Huh

    Huh

    That_dummy_head Report

    ZGutr
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Flags don't get much redder than this

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    #51

    Prime America Moment

    Prime America Moment

    SurrealSnooz Report

    SCamp
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ok let me explain, see … it’s … way back when …. ahhh why bother??

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    #52

    This Post Is Totes Yeets Yo

    This Post Is Totes Yeets Yo

    PoonSwoggle Report

    Tucker Cahooter
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I keep reading the right hand side text in the voice of the two WW2 RAF pilots from the "Armstrong and Miller Show"

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    #53

    Imagine Being That Angry About Someone’s Happiness

    Imagine Being That Angry About Someone’s Happiness

    stathx Report

    Iampenny
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How dare he care about his life? It's not like he has only one - oh wait.....

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    #54

    Probably Refers To Him As "He's 173 Months Old"

    Probably Refers To Him As "He's 173 Months Old"

    Snake_Plissken224 Report

    SCamp
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wait, what? That’s Michael Myers’ mum?

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    #55

    God I Hate These

    God I Hate These

    reddit.com Report

    #56

    What

    What

    The0xt0 Report

    Iampenny
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    hmmmm, and yet she was at school during daylight hours.

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    #57

    Apparently “Child” Is A Slur Now

    Apparently “Child” Is A Slur Now

    woIfgamingyt2020 Report

    les
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the kids around here are just wee shitlings

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    #58

    The Baby From Nirvana’s Nevermind Cover Is Suing The Band For Exploitation. This Is Why

    The Baby From Nirvana’s Nevermind Cover Is Suing The Band For Exploitation. This Is Why

    MrEuginger Report

    MarvinsMom
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think he tried suing them several different times.

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    #59

    Nobody Cares!

    Nobody Cares!

    reddit.com Report

    Aaron Parker
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe I'm just getting old but I'm starting to f****n hate celebrities.

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    #60

    Trying To Find Logic

    Trying To Find Logic

    esberat Report

    Virgil Blue
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I thought maybe a small cam stuck somewhere then noticed the tilting between the 2 images.

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