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Welcome to the internet, a place to find like-minded people no matter what your background is. Sounds fun, right? Sadly, it can become quite toxic. And we're the ones to blame for it. Racism, misogyny, classism; all of society's wounds fester online just as much as they do in real life.

However, being insulting and mean often comes right back to bite you. Amongst the most impressive ways to fight internet trolls is by using the epic art of the comeback. Fierce, well-constructed, and piercingly accurate arguments end up in the subreddit called Murdered By Words. This community with over 2.6M members is the place where verbal assassins cut right through the BS and share some of the best burns.

When you’re done scrolling through this list, you’ll find some more inspiration for savage comebacks by checking out Bored Panda’s previous posts on the subreddit here, here, and here.

#1

F***ing Dumb Is An Understatement

F***ing Dumb Is An Understatement

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A while back, Bored Panda talked to the mods of r/MurderedByWords who said that "a murder should (but doesn't always have to) be more than a quick response or retort. The best murders are well-constructed, thought-out responses that leave the opening argument completely without any ability to reply.“

And there's more than one way to crush your opponent verbally. A burn or “a quick rapier thrust or stab to the heart (a short, swift reply) can be just as deadly as a drawn-out murder, and you'll frequently see both types in this sub," the moderator explained. And as you can guess, put-downs shared in this group might be some of the most enjoyable one-liners in human history.

But when you end up in the middle of a heated argument, emotions can take over. Especially if the person you're disagreeing with is sticking to an opinion that's just nonsense. So having in mind the rise in the number of flat earthers and anti-vaxxers, staying civil on the internet these past years can seem like an impossible task.

#2

Satanists Just Don't Acknowledge Religions

Satanists Just Don't Acknowledge Religions

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And while ruthless put-downs seem entertaining in the online world, other principles apply when you're arguing with someone in real life. To find out more about how to deal with those who mock you, Bored Panda reached out to Neel Burton, M.D., a psychiatrist, philosopher and author of Heaven and Hell: The Psychology of the Emotions.

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Burton is doubtful that throwing put-downs to the mockers actually make us feel better. "Someone who's insulting you is already in a weak position—or why would they be insulting you—so it would be unkind to shatter them completely. If you respond with compassionate silence, the message will be both stronger and kinder,“ he advised.

#3

Murdered And Exposed And Torn Asunder...

Murdered And Exposed And Torn Asunder...

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Meeple13
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish that green was wrong... this inequality is something that needs to be changed in the world.

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#4

Deserved It

Deserved It

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River Webb
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

what did she expect in a gender neutral bathroom? men lining up and waiting for her until she finishes using the bathroom?

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Clinical psychotherapist Eva Jajonie agrees with this line of thinking, and offers this explanation as to why the desire to offend someone is a sign of vulnerability: "When suppressed concerns and feelings, such as lack of self-esteem; self-defeating thoughts and behaviors; guilt; and anger, for example, are not treated or dealt with, the person uses insults to unleash anger, to escape dealing with the pain or trauma experienced.”

#5

See Ya, Wouldn't Wanna Be Ya

See Ya, Wouldn't Wanna Be Ya

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#6

Say Her Name

Say Her Name

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Meeple13
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ah yes, a Bears linesman more famous than a medal-winning Olympian.

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Now that we know someone who is taking a cheap shot at you isn't that much of a threat, another thing to consider is status. According to Burton, we should try to keep our integrity: "If you engage the insulter on their own level, you are bringing yourself down and giving their insult far too much legitimacy.“ Staying levelheaded during an argument is not easy, but can be learned with practice. Like, try to notice when the adrenaline starts kicking in stopping it. Or take some deep breaths to remain calm, whatever method works for you.

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#7

What Did You Do?

What Did You Do?

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KJ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a moronic comment from Goel, clearly doesn't know who he is critisising.

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#8

Science Is Hard

Science Is Hard

Genetikk-- Report

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Meeple13
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just learned that IV drips contain a body-altering substance called 'vitamins'. All people who died had at some stage consumed vitamins. Never using IV drips again.

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But when you hear ignorant slurs, it's often difficult to just stand by. Here's where using humor can be extremely effective. "A good comeback is one that the insulter can also laugh at. It should not be too devastating. Ideally, it should be tangential, maybe even absurd,“ Burton explained. If your reply is funny, well-timed and well delivered, it can diffuse the tension of the situation and undercut the mockery.

#10

The Call Is Coming From Inside The House

The Call Is Coming From Inside The House

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The Scout
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a Non-American, I am still struggling hard to understand why everything that even remotely resembles a working social system is condsidered communism... It works in nearly every other country, with such side effects as keeping criminality low, eliminating the need for guns, raising the statistical life expectancy.

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#11

It's So Obvious And They Still Miss It

It's So Obvious And They Still Miss It

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LuckyL
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What I love most as an answer for this kind of questions is - so why do you wear glasses/pants/shoes - that's not how good created you

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To make the web a kinder and safer place, do an ethical 'gut test' before sharing, commenting, or posting. Just remember, the Murdered By Words community is always watching and no insults or cruel comments get past their sharp eyes.

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#14

Shoot Like A Girl

Shoot Like A Girl

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Madison Feehan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Bean-bag shaped mayonnaise-filled men" let that sink in for a minute. 🤣

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#15

I Will Leave This Kind Of Debate To You People

I Will Leave This Kind Of Debate To You People

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River Webb
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

no genuinely nice, good person will care. the negative comments will come from jerks

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#17

There Is Nothing Inherently Great About Any Country

There Is Nothing Inherently Great About Any Country

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River Webb
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

are you serious? its not like people go "huh I think I want to be born in a terrible country, try to escape, but end up locked up instead. yes that sounds like a perfect life"

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#18

Cognitive Dissonance (He Left Me On Seen Btw)

Cognitive Dissonance (He Left Me On Seen Btw)

DSKDG Report

#19

Some People Really Need To Stop Thinking About A Damn Rock

Some People Really Need To Stop Thinking About A Damn Rock

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#20

Reading Is For Suckers

Reading Is For Suckers

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#21

When You Come For Brazil But Forget You Live In The Us

When You Come For Brazil But Forget You Live In The Us

TheNotSoFreshFeeling Report

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Linda van der Pal
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wouldn't be surprised if they made the kids move classes just to get some energy out of their system...

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#22

What Weighs More, A Pound Of Feathers Or A Pound Of Iron?

What Weighs More, A Pound Of Feathers Or A Pound Of Iron?

beerbellybegone Report

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#24

Response About A Record Number Of Concert Attendees

Response About A Record Number Of Concert Attendees

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#25

Just Work Harder!

Just Work Harder!

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Helen Haley
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Had an entire conversation with a coworker about this. He's very convinced if he lost everything tomorrow, he'd be back to fine within a year. I countered with, so you'd just go out and get another job huh? Where are you going to shower? Where are you going to sleep? What are you going to eat? How would you get to that job? What clothes do you think you'll be wearing to that job?

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#26

Don't Forget To Recycle

Don't Forget To Recycle

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#27

Same Same, But Different

Same Same, But Different

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troufaki13
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They don't like it when their logic is being used against them! They're always "yes, but..."

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#29

Shame On You, Crayola!

Shame On You, Crayola!

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Vorknkx
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I fully understand how offensive the "n-word" is in the USA (for historical reasons and all), but Americans also need to understand that in other countries/cultures/languages it is not considered an offensive word (or it's just mildly offensive). It's unrealistic to expect everyone in the world to follow your cultural norms.

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#30

Parental Disparages

Parental Disparages

Miml-Sama Report

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Andy Acceber
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Accurate. In the U.S., studies show that Black and white people use drugs at roughly the same rates, but Black people are 2-11 times more likely to be arrested for it, depending on the state. If you live in a state that has legalized marijuana but hasn't committed to reevaluating the sentences for people in prison for marijuana-related convictions, I hope you call your politicians and speak out.

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#32

The Misspell Just Perfects It

The Misspell Just Perfects It

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#34

Don't Disrespect Tom Hanks

Don't Disrespect Tom Hanks

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Jaekry
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tom Hanks and Keanu Reeves. And some others. You get the idea. :)

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#35

Alabama Would Like To Have A Word

Alabama Would Like To Have A Word

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Helen Haley
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is this idiot trying to draw a comparison from forced child marriage to equal marriage rights between two consenting adults? I just can't deal with that level of stupid. Even if that was what was in the picture, the comparison is just so very absurd.

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#36

Dude Just Roasted The Entire Human Race

Dude Just Roasted The Entire Human Race

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#37

Anti-Birth Control And Probably Anti-Abortion Mbw

Anti-Birth Control And Probably Anti-Abortion Mbw

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MagicalUnicorn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

my birth control are pretty great for my health though :D good skin, easy periods and less stress is good for both mental and physical wellbeing

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#38

Quitting 101

Quitting 101

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KJ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would love to see the boss explaining this to the shift leader.

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#39

Nyt Reporter Has A Basic Question For Minnesota's Rollout Of "Not-Reaching Pouches," A Bold New Innovation In Hoping Cops Don't Shoot You!

Nyt Reporter Has A Basic Question For Minnesota's Rollout Of "Not-Reaching Pouches," A Bold New Innovation In Hoping Cops Don't Shoot You!

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ZAPanda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You wouldn't have cops that are jumpy and shooting first on the assumption that random traffic stops are cases where someone would pull a gun on them, IF GUNS WERE NOT GIVEN TO CITIZENS, you know, like normal countries?

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H Smith
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think that if you really want to, you should be able to go through the process, but I agree it should be a lot more strict

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Roxy Eastland
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seriously, what do they think British police do in the same situation? They aren't all dying on traffic stops, they're managing fine without guns at all.

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Drakaina Dreadnought
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's amazing to me the lengths Americans will go to to treat the symptoms but not the cause. How much money are they putting into protecting their citizens with technology while still ignoring the actual reason for their problems. Like putting a bunch of bandaids on someone with cancer. Here's let's do this to help you all! (But God forbid they should regulate guns.) FFS.

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SCamp
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good god, we invented this thing that makes it less likely that the people literally paid to protect us won’t shoot us? WT actual F???

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Slime11IsSus
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

hmm yes hanging your drivers license on the window of your car for all to see is a greaaaat idea

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Marco Conti
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great, now when I park my car anyone can read my DL number. Plus, if I leave it in the car, I won't have with with me while I am not driving. How about you don't shoot me if I reach for the documents you just ask me for?

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J Garza
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or just have the officer shoot first and give out "free bullet removal" coupons.

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Riley Quinn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These cops are essentially blaming us for their cowardice, racism, and inability to perform their jobs adequately.

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Marnie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This makes no sense coming from MN. We don't have a "registration" to put in that pouch. I have never, ever known what a "registration" is, as in "Can I see your license and registration?". Maybe it's the "tabs" that we have to pay for each year, but we those are stickers that we put on our license plates. It's not something we hand to an officer.

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Kiwii Stone
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The first thing I thought of when I saw this was a Star of David from the overlapping images...

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KAREN
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

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Arenite
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I said this when Amadou Diallo was killed. If these cops are so scared on the job that they pull their gun immediately, they shouldn’t be cops. They should be accountants. What frightened, little men

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Droopsnoot
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For tgat kind of americans, not shooting is not an option. But if I saw people like that, I wonder if I wouldn't shoot on them

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Loretta
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait... Wait what? Am I reading this right? Is it possible you get f*****g MURDERED by your police force, just because you don't show some documents? Am I missing something here??

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RatherLoopy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's fun to make this a political or social problem but there's a lot to be said for common sense. I'm a 68 year old white guy and any time a highly-strung man with a loaded gun on his hip pulls me over, by the time he's radioed in the stop and has opened his car door, my wallet with license and insurance are already out of my pocket and sitting on the dash in full view, both my hands are resting on the top of the steering wheel, also in full view, all my vehicle windows are down so he can clearly see what's going on inside my car and if it's nighttime, my interior lights are on as well.

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Thomas Sweda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What about an Elephant photo, ( as opposed to a Donkey) pinned to a coat or shirt or dress, you know similar to a 6 pointed star?

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Cecily Holland
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Australia one guy shot 36 people and that was it. A big crackdown and a hand in amnesty. This is what happens when you hand out assault weapons like candy to people with the IQ of a cabbage. You get cops being over cautious because everyone is armed.

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Suz66
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Having those those visible might someone more motivation to break in and steal your identity.

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Yort
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well you could easily, you know, not have it out while you’re not even in the car?

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Lena Flising
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How many white people are shot during traffic stops in the US, while reaching for their driver's licence? I live in Europe, where we have guns in wars and game-hunts, not in cars, so I wouldn't know.

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BetweenTheCracks
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My spouse got pulled over for speeding once. The cop asked for his registration/etc., and then went straight for the holster when my spouse complied. He's not scary or janky in any way-- the cops around here (a cherry-red county in an allegedly blue state) are just anxious as hell to see if they can escalate the simplest situation. YES, HE'S WHITE. Thanks for playing "Wypipo Can Never Know What This Is Like", collect your gift bag on the way out.

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Carter Mac
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The fact that a simple encounter can have a gun produced-its no wonder the police are jumpy.

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Britton Raymond
Community Member
2 years ago

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how about you don't act suspiciously to law enforcement who are just doing their job and don't want to get shot any more than you do.

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WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
2 years ago

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Sorry, but people get shot by the police because of the second amendment and plain stupidity. I've seen a lot of those "live action" series and I'm truly baffled that cops, with their guns drawn, shout "Do NOT reach" and the civilian keeps reaching. What do you expect? That the cop will let you have the first shot?

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#40

Killed A Guy And One Country In A Single Sentence

Killed A Guy And One Country In A Single Sentence

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Sum Guy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've never seen a phrase so perfectly formulated to cause maximum damage and also compliment

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#41

Dude Wants “Young Woman To Help Rule His Kingdom”

Dude Wants “Young Woman To Help Rule His Kingdom”

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Susan Green
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why would any young woman want to help you run your imaginary ‘kingdom’?

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#42

Let's Get The Ignorant Ones To Write Policies

Let's Get The Ignorant Ones To Write Policies

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Helen Haley
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Myabe if he'd been around when his kids were babies he would know what is involved with having one.

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#43

Is That More Of An Oops Or A Whoops?

Is That More Of An Oops Or A Whoops?

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#44

Dolphins Are Intelligent Animals

Dolphins Are Intelligent Animals

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Andy Acceber
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Gender is how you feel in your soul. Heck, if in your soul, you feel you are a dolphin and every day you want to commit to being a dolphin, be seen as a dolphin, and be treated as a dolphin, go for it buddy. I expect you'll quickly realize gender isn't a game and it's more complicated than you thought.

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#45

You Tell Him!

You Tell Him!

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Axlemunshine 001
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People like that will never admit to be in the wrong. They are always the victim, even when they exert violence on someone else (Says "See what you made me do!?" while beating up someone)

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#46

Can't Find Anyone To Hire

Can't Find Anyone To Hire

chaposagrift Report

#47

Anti-Vax Takedown On Nextdoor

Anti-Vax Takedown On Nextdoor

galaxathon Report

#48

Fact Checking Has Become A Bloodsport...

Fact Checking Has Become A Bloodsport...

bacchys1066 Report

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Nathan Pogorzala
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The company i work for has 240,000 employees and said "you don't get vaccinated by Nov 18th, you're fired" and i think that is wonderful.

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#50

Opposite Gender

Opposite Gender

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