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Some days, you can’t help but feel that the universe not only works in mysterious ways but also has a great sense of humor. Believing that people will act a certain way or signs will commit to what they are saying, you often don’t expect they’ll do the exact opposite. And that’s what makes it so ludicrous.

The world is full of unpredicted things, you just have to keep your eyes open. From manually cleaning an iRobot store to humorous health inspection awards, people who stumbled upon something so accidentally ironic just had to take a picture and share it with the whole web.

Bored Panda has scoured the internet and compiled a list of some of the finest ironic moments for you to enjoy. So get ready to have a good laugh and upvote your favorite ones! And if you’re hungry for some more hilarious situations, be sure to check out our previous posts right here and here.

#1

Shell And Cif, The Destroyers Of Planets, Eliminators Of Lifeforms

Shell And Cif, The Destroyers Of Planets, Eliminators Of Lifeforms

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Everyone loves a delicious bit of irony from time to time. When we stumble upon these unexpected moments, they get easily stuck in our heads—after all, we know irony when we see it. But when it comes to defining the term and expressing it with words, many people have difficulties.

The most basic definition of this term is a conflict between what’s expected and what occurs. To learn more about irony and its humorous nature, we reached out to Roger J. Kreuz, Ph.D., a professor of psychology and an associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Memphis.

In his recent book, Irony and Sarcasm, Kreuz goes into great detail in explaining how and why these words “are two of the most misused, misapplied, and misunderstood words in our conversational lexicon.”

#5

This Is How We Roll In My Town

This Is How We Roll In My Town

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While many of us instinctively understand when a situation is ironic, it can be hard to articulate it. The professor said that the reason behind this is that “the perception of irony is triggered by violations of implicit assumptions that we have about the world and how it is supposed to work.” 

“In most cases, we aren’t even aware of these assumptions until we encounter something incongruous or peculiar that contradicts our expectations,” he added. Kreuz provided a couple of examples: 

  • You encounter a sign with a misspelling in front of a store. Not a big deal – mistakes happen. Not irony.
  • You see a sign in front of a school. Many schools have such signs, so nothing surprising about that. Not irony.
  • You see a sign in front of a school that reads “We are committed to excellense.” Educators are supposed to know how to spell, so the juxtaposition of the message, the mistake, and its very public location triggers a sense of irony.
#7

What If?

What If?

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Tabby_Sohee
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m sorry, but this is inconsiderate. Many people who state their religion as an excuse and do horrible things are indeed Christian, but it’s not a religion-based thing, every religion has those kinds of psychos. Christianity does not deserve to be put down like this and be called a lie; calling someone’s beliefs and integrity a lie is not the way to building equality between religions and cultures. Please, let’s try to accept other cultures instead of bashing down the ones of others.

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#9

Pharmacy Puts Their Back Pain Stuff On The Bottom Shelf

Pharmacy Puts Their Back Pain Stuff On The Bottom Shelf

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#10

Handle Broke

Handle Broke

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“In a similar way, a destroyed book is not ironic, and a book about dog training isn’t either,” the professor continued. But if you juxtapose them and see Dog Training for Dummies being destroyed by your furry four-legged friend: “Voilà, irony!”

One thing that many people tend to mix up is verbal irony and sarcasm. These two words often are used interchangeably, yet they’re not the same. “Irony is often triggered by situations and involves incongruity, juxtaposition, and unexpectedness. Sarcasm, on the other hand, is typically verbal,” Kreuz told Bored Panda. 

“It often makes use of irony to criticize someone else, or to be humorous. But not all sarcasm involves irony, which is why people are often confused about these terms.”

#11

Things Have Gone Wrong Somewhere

Things Have Gone Wrong Somewhere

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

This might look funny but only 50 percent went wrong, if that. I will say that dogs should not be in strollers and shouldn't be bred to the point where they are not dogs anymore. But kids on a leash - that is a good thing! It makes the outings much safer. Such small kids, even if very well behaved and disciplined don't yet have a brain yet that can compute consequences. The world is fast and dangerous. The leash can make sure they never disappear on you when for 2 seconds you're looking at what the other one is doing, and can't run ahead enough to be hit by a car. I used to be a nanny and I refused to take the 3 year old out until I was given one of these. I was still holding her hand and she was a very good little lady, but it made me feel safer to know that she can't just dart out on a whim as we're crossing a million roads to school.

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#13

Found This Old Apple Slogan. Times Sure Have Changed

Found This Old Apple Slogan. Times Sure Have Changed

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And talking about why many of us find it comical when we come across an ironic sign, poster, or image, Kreuz mentioned that we think it’s amusing because it’s almost like solving a puzzle. “When we spot the incongruity, we can be amused, and then perhaps consider ourselves to be a little superior compared to those who don’t ’get the joke.’”

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Looking through this list, you can’t help but feel reminded to expect the unexpected and chuckle at the ups and downs of life. After all, ironic billboards, posters, and situations are lurking all around us, just waiting to be captured and shared with people in great need of a laugh or two.

#14

Dog Came To The Vet Today For Swallowing A Monopoly Piece

Dog Came To The Vet Today For Swallowing A Monopoly Piece

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#15

This Subway Is Telling People To Eat Next Door

This Subway Is Telling People To Eat Next Door

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#18

Noticed Our Stroller Felt A Little Weird, Found Out There’s A Pin Stuck In The Tire. The Pin Is Very Ironic

Noticed Our Stroller Felt A Little Weird, Found Out There’s A Pin Stuck In The Tire. The Pin Is Very Ironic

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#24

There Was An Attempt To Stop The Seagulls

There Was An Attempt To Stop The Seagulls

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#25

Nestled Away In A Small Local Newspaper Is The Greatest And Most Ironic Ad Ever

Nestled Away In A Small Local Newspaper Is The Greatest And Most Ironic Ad Ever

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#26

Took This After Lunch At The Restaurant. At Least The Irony Is Delicious

Took This After Lunch At The Restaurant. At Least The Irony Is Delicious

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#28

A Machine Came Thru My Local John Deere For Repairs From The Tornado In Kentucky

A Machine Came Thru My Local John Deere For Repairs From The Tornado In Kentucky

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#29

Spotted In A Walmart Parking Lot Today

Spotted In A Walmart Parking Lot Today

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

Are you kidding! The media and dems haven't let go of Trump since he left office, its been 2-years and you still can't seem to get over your addiction and just let go. Of course, you're scared to death he'll run again in 2024 so it's more of the same slander and character assassination, FBI document raids, January 6th Committee, etc.

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GoddessOdd
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't believe people really miss him. Of course, I still can't believe people actually voted for him.

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

The f**k, hell to the NO, NOPE, NEIN, NU, NIET, NEE, LA, NĀ, NON, NEE, OCHI, A'A, HANIN, IIE, TIDAK, BU SHI, HOINA, NAO and mote

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

Forever. Social media dumped The Liar but he keeps yakking. We've stopped listening. He's already worn out 3 of our "Mute" buttons.

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

If you mean, do I miss the sheer terror of waking up every day worried some idiotic word or action created an international incident, and now we are in the brink of WWIII...then, no, no, I absolutely do not miss that, or you.

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

How can we miss you when you won't go away? Not that we would anyway...

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Westley Boyd
Community Member
2 years ago

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Ah yes, vandalism is a liberal virtue, isn't it? We were treated to it all summer two years ago.

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

No! Though i did like making fun of you when you said your dumbass comments

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

Ever seen a picture of this bloke without his lips puckered ready to kiss ass!

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

I was soooo looking forward to never seeing the orange man again. Oh well, c**k roaches live and irritate forever.

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

no. negative. not at all. most certainly not. never. Nah. nope. not now not ever

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

I truly wish his terrible diet, lack of exercise, his high-strung attitude and just good old karma would work together to rid the world of this complete waste of oxygen! Fingers crossed!

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Westley Boyd
Community Member
2 years ago

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As opposed to meat puppet locking himself in a basement for the entire presidential campaign?

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GSMountainWolf
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everybody commenting here: please don’t downvote someone so much just because they have an opposing opinion. Yes, I know it’s fine to have differing opinions, but just because someone has your opposite thinking doesn’t mean you have to hate them for it

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

Anybody else just going through and down voting the trump haters ?

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GoldenGoose
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't understand why people hate Trump, and the people who don't just get downvoted for having an opinion.. It doesn't make sense, from my perspective, Trump wasn't/isn't even a bad guy, he was actually a better President than Biden.

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

Girlcott Walmart? A Riot of a Story by MadKane With the Capitol Building defaced, Some One/Sixers departed in haste. I must ask: Were they stoned When post-riot they phoned Pelosi for stuff they’d misplaced?

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

Missy~~Bull's eye! Trump lickers have wee warts in their perineal areas...all women can tell. Many are dying from Covid for being unvaxxed [& infecting everyone else, greedy/selfish/brainless]...perhaps their kids will have more than GEDs.

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

Trauma from heart attacks, concussions, rib fractures, sprains, gouged eyes, amputations, suicides, PTSD, burns, lacerations, bruises, irritated lungs, brain injuries, shattered spinal discs, stabbings & injuries caused by repeated blows from bats, poles, clubs, stun guns, laser pointers, metal fence stakes, fire extinguishers; 38 cops exposed to Covid [tested +] by unvaxxed white supremacists~~only 'fires & looting' count to the uneducated; u want bear spray/chemical irritants sprayed in yr eyes, Westley Boyd? [140 injured cops—73 Capitol Police, 65 Metro Police] 7/12/21, NY Times. READ b4 u type. Most cops have 5-min fights; these goons were violent for 5 hrs!

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

These are funny stickers. I once gave one of the pope as a birthday present. :-)

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Chloe *Leah* Pheonix
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Um, I did not want to be called pathetic today I literally just woke up, so I dont like politics, is that a bad thing? I just hate arguments and yelling which is why I dont participate in political debating. How is that pathetic?

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Tricia Lynne Chatfield
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As I was reading the comments, ( I wish I hadn't because it was just another reminder of how many idiots support the incompetent bumbling president we have 🤮 ) I noticed how boardpanda has hidden all comments of people who actually miss Trump. BP that is BS. Stop with your censoring, it's unnecessary. 🎉 Let's Go Brandon 🎉

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

Paranoid with room-temperature I.Q. Tricia Chatfield likes spreading lies, esp The Big Lie. A hideous censor-er who's never accomplished 1/20th of what Biden has, An envious, blabbering, iliterit [sic] wuss.

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

On a side note...are we not going to cancel Whoopi Goldberg for what she said on the View?

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

If you ever feel stupid, remember, someone voted for Joe Biden.

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

If you ever feel stupid, remember someone voted for Joe Biden!

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LONECOOLMAN
Community Member
2 years ago

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HELL YES!!! SLEEPY CREEPY HANDSY JOE IS INCOMPETENT AND IN FINAL STAGES OF OLD TIMERS ! HE CAN BARELY SPEAK, WALK OR THINK. HE HAS MORE HANDLERS THAN THE CIRCUS. CHILD MOLESTER AND TRAITOR!

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

You do realize Trump is only 3 years younger than Biden? Also Biden never talked about ingesting bleach or Lysol to combat Covid.

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ZAPanda
Community Member
2 years ago

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It's a bit like a troll. If you stop giving it attention it eventually gets bored and goes away. Just stop putting him on TV. Like literally just boycott him.

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

Agent Orange is not newsworthy [kicked off social media for being The Liar] but betimes CNN & MSNBC play clips just to ridicule this buffoon. The networks can do The Kimmel~~show who Colbert called "Godzilla with Less Foreign Policy Experience"~~only in the nude. [On Demand recent monologues (2021-22) where Kimmel shows this hideous blubber body w/Don the Con's yakking head. Priceless.] A repetitive lie isn't news~~write the networks!

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

Truckers don't have to read~~just road signs [2nd-grade level]. So they don't know the difference btwn fact & opinion. How d'ya think The Tangerine Tank gets cultists followers? They're as dumb as he is claiming he won an election 62 courts ruled he lost. So he tried extortion [Ga] & failed. Twice-impeached con-guy buffoon tried to delete our democracy. Facts~~not opinions~~rule, buster.

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Daniel Marsh
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2 years ago

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Has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with the topic.

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Robert Thompson
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2 years ago

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Who was the litter bug that put that bit of note paper on the car instead of in the trash like an adult?

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Missy
Community Member
2 years ago

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It's stunning how much this (fantastic) former POTUS still has so much space in your brains so long after the fact. What would half of you do without your echo chamber? I can't imagine.

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

People have a tendency to forget things, but in this case most sane and sensible people feel the need to remind everyone what a craptastic president he was, so that hopefully he won't get another chance at running for president again - a position for which he is eminently unsuitable. That, and his narcissism won't allow him to bow out of the public eye with dignity.

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Julian McCallum
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2 years ago

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Yes, Trump was a good president, Biden can barely even walk, much less make important decisions.

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

Trump would clearly like to move the country away from democracy. I get that you like him but would you be comfortable living in a less democratic country under a different wannabe dictator? He won't be around forever, but if he succeeds in changing the institutions to be less democratic, those changes could certainly outlive him or become permanent.

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Kishibe Angelo
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2 years ago

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i think both him and biden are the worst. obama was pretty good, and JFK was the best

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#30

We Always Get Each Other Ironic Gifts, My Little Sister Killed It This Year: Batteries Not Included

We Always Get Each Other Ironic Gifts, My Little Sister Killed It This Year: Batteries Not Included

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#32

For Christmas 2019, My Boss Gifted Us With 1 Work From Home Day In 2020

For Christmas 2019, My Boss Gifted Us With 1 Work From Home Day In 2020

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#34

Well Isn’t That Ironic

Well Isn’t That Ironic

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Bacony Cakes
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

*puts these in my printer, runs out of magenta immediately, buys new of these, print heads are misaligned, i waste all the cyan doing the test thing, i buy more of these, they're incompatible because they have drm somehow, i give up and throw my printer into an active volcano*

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#36

“This Is Not Style. This Is Stupidity”

“This Is Not Style. This Is Stupidity”

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Mr Red
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine waking up in the morning, take a shower, have some coffee and get to your car to go shopping... then running back in and shouting to your husband: I almost forgot my sign, silly me!

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#38

He Knew It Would Come To This One Day

He Knew It Would Come To This One Day

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#39

This A Little Infuriating Exchange On A Dating App

This A Little Infuriating Exchange On A Dating App

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#42

Picking Up Plastic On The Beach Today... The Irony

Picking Up Plastic On The Beach Today... The Irony

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#43

Our Youngest Son Has A Taste For Irony

Our Youngest Son Has A Taste For Irony

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#44

Breakable

Breakable

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80 Van
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m surprised this didn’t happen more often with the DVD’s being in a paper sleeve going through the mail system.

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#45

Goddammit

Goddammit

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#47

Irony

Irony

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Troux
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When they let you give your own performance evaluations at work.

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#48

There Was Flooding Where I Live Recently. Ironic

There Was Flooding Where I Live Recently. Ironic

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#49

The Irony Here Is Amazing. Never Tell Me The Odds

The Irony Here Is Amazing. Never Tell Me The Odds

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#50

The Left Door Perfectly Describes The Right Door's Condition

The Left Door Perfectly Describes The Right Door's Condition

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