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The Brits have many things to be proud of. If it weren’t for them, we would be deprived of cutting-edge technologies like the umbrella hat, the automatic tea maker, and the flying bicycle. Not to mention the napkin suit or the guillotine. From these creations alone, it becomes clear that the people inhabiting the United Kingdom have some truly weird and wacky personas.

Fortunately, the Instagram account British Moments lets us indulge in them even more. The account is full of snapshots from life in the UK sprinkled with British humor that are bound to crack you up. Scroll down to find them, and don’t forget to grab a cuppa before you do!

While you’re at it, be sure to check out a conversation with Sarah Macklin from the UK, creator of budget home interiors blog Dream of Home, who kindly agreed to tell us more about what it’s like to live in Britain.

#1

Hilarious-Best-British-Moments

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Cee Cee
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a lovely thing to say. Bet he was a good husband too.

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Right off the bat, we were curious to know what Sarah, creator of Dream of Home, enjoys most about being British.

“I love our history, particularly our literature. I like to think we have some of the most famous writers in the world, from Dickens and Austen to Shakespeare and even JK Rowling. They've truly shaped our history and even had an impact on the literature that's produced in other countries around the world.”

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britishmoments Report

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Say No to Downvoting
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s what really gave me the poos when my kids’ school started awarding points for every kid in “full school uniform” - with the winning class getting iceblocks at the end of the term. So, if I screw up with the laundry, or can’t get to the shops to buy new socks that week or if don’t want to fork out for a new pair of pants in literally the last 2 weeks of school, my kids’ class are disadvantaged? No - not fair. Not fair at all.

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Indeed, the British literature tradition had an immense impact on global literature. Genres like the gothic novel, the detective novel, and the romance novel all originated from British authors. The start of the detective novel can be traced back to the writers like Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie. While the first romance novel Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded, was written by Samuel Richardson. 

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#7

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Jane Jayne Jain Jeign Jein
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or when scrolling to the right year takes three times as long as if they'd just let you type your date of birth. Or worst of all, when it asks you your occupation from a huge drop down list and you have to keep guessing what they think your job should be called.

Stygtand
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel like i am time travelling when i scroll that wheel. Here we are in the time where the cellphone was not invented. We think they had fire, but are not sure

Robert T
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If it's a website I've designed, it's United Kingdom and the first entry on the list. However you may need to start looking under D as well, for Disunited Kingdom!

Kira Okah
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Living in Wales, I have to swap the E for W or C. Some online shops do separate the countries, and on some forms Wales is listed under Cymru.

frank behnsen
Community Member
2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That could be a *much* more interesting experience: these online forms could be all in Cymreag. — edit: It’s Cymraeg of course. My bad. Damn vowels, consonants say so much more.

any rei
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I only have that problem with two letters for my country and that's already annoying

cerinamroth
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's why I moved to Germany. Although, thinking about it, maybe Anguilla or even Andorra or Albania might have been a better option.

Ryan
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is normally United Kingdom and you end up scrolling down to 'U' until you realise that United Kingdom is right up the top of the list

Nika Strokappe
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

N for Netherlands, T for the Netherlands or H for Holland (which is only part of the country) even found it under Dutch once, which is the language 😂

LJ North
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Extra confusing if they have multiple listings - like USPS (England and United Kingdom x2)

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

I still can't keep track of all the different names for a geographical area that's smaller than Texas.

PurpleKU77
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

American here....so, which one is it? I would think UK would do it.

BrunoVI
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To those who think "nation" and "country" are synonymous. (Hint: England is not a nation.)

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Just like Sarah mentioned, the United Kingdom has one of the best literary traditions, full of works written by some of the most esteemed authors in the world: William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, George Orwell and so many more. In fact, Britain is one of the leading countries in Nobel laureates in literature, with an impressive number of 11 recipients.

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#10

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Cee Cee
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Be thankful for what you've got. My dachshunds nick my duvet. I'm left with a small strip some nights.

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#11

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Mark Savoie
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My previous landlord once lowered my rent by 20% when he found out that I had bern laid off.

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However, just like any other culture, nation or country, the UK too can’t seem to avoid the persisting stereotypes that are sometimes far from the truth.

The one misconception that Sarah disagrees with the most is that English food is bad or bland. “I know we don't really have anything we're famous for, besides maybe fish and chips, but we take a lot of inspiration from other European countries and I personally think we have some of the best food!”

#13

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Lost Penny
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wasn't the only one then. Good. I was thinking, 'Why would you just drop your food on the bed like that??'

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Meanwhile, the stereotype that she approves of is the British politeness. “We're polite, even when we don't want to be, and the biggest confrontation we'd have if we disapprove of something or someone is a quiet 'tut'. Plus, we love a queue.”

#16

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SCamp
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great name Roisin. I understand it’s pronounced ‘Rowsheen’ - beautiful

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#18

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SCamp
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This’ll date me, but I genuinely remember when I first had my licence and being a poor student and putting totals like AUD $1.80 or $2.67 into my tank and using the car for another day.

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Why Brits are so courteous isn’t exactly clear. Perhaps it’s because they are quite reserved and don’t like to say things directly how they’re on their mind. So they resort to various courtesies to be a bit more indirect. Just like saying the tea “Is not bad, actually,” but really meaning “This tea tastes awful, but I’d rather not hurt your feelings.”

#19

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Donkey boi
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Minutes 60 down to 3 count perfectly, Minutes 2 & 1 each take about a quarter of an hour.

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Even though it’s not completely clear where the British politeness comes from, it’s as much of a tradition as tea time and everyone is expected to follow it. Sometimes to a point where they are too courteous for their own good. Just like apologizing when someone steps on their foot or saying “I’m fine” even when they might be on fire.

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#23

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SCamp
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Friends of ours named their dog Steve and I’m like I don’t know how to feel about that. My names Steve.

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#24

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The love of the queue can also be linked to wearing their politeness as a badge of honour. They feel proud that they can stand in line in courtesy and decorum without trying to find malicious ways to get out of it. So if you don’t want to make a fool of yourself in the UK, never jump the queue or push in and don’t ask the person near you to hold your place. Learn to respect the queue and you’ll do just fine!

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#27

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minnieslave0
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Look, these are from Britain. During our summers, you are more likely to get trench foot than sunburn. Summer wear is a clear plastic poncho. When a large, white, fiery ball appears in the sky, it has to be announced on the news that it is, in fact, the sun.

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ConstantlyJon
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

oh my god, I read this and then immediately had someone come to my desk. I took one look at them, had to look away to compose myself, and then was able to talk after like 10 awkward seconds.

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#31

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SCamp
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely. A tube of chips can only be consumed inside watching telly.

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#32

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Costa
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I still do that when my kids leave because my wife won't let me run alongside the car until it's going too fast to keep up.

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#34

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britishmoments Report

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Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My!
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was little, Apple Jacks cereal was more expensive than any of the others. Being very poor, I wasn't allowed to have them. I spent the night at Grandma's once, not long after Mom and I had argued over the cereal. Grandma drove me three miles one way to the grocery store just to buy me a box of Apple Jacks.

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#35

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

We once had a kid named Barry in Prep class which is 1st yr Primary / Elementary school, so aged 5 and I’m like ‘Barry?? No way a 5 yr old is named Barry!’ Minimum 65 years old to be a Barry.

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#36

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Neon
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And is also 0 to be nice to people around you.... Especially the waiters! (family does not count- spit at them and be as rude as they are towards you all year round) ;)

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#37

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WindySwede
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's hard, but you need to watch their weight! They deserve that.

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#39

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Robert T
Community Member
2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They were always so cheerful and actually came up the drive and picked up your bin and carried it to the lorry and put it back exactly where they found it. They were always pleased if there were any extra things that you were throwing out, like old electrical stuff. And they always got a Christmas bonus. Pretty much the opposite of the outsourced lemons we have now.

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#46

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CanadianDimes
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always try to figure out which line it is when there's a picture from the tube. This one is Circle, Hammersmith & City, District, or Metropolitan.

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#51

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Paul C.
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm fine though because I've got the winter payment.....Oh! Ah well, at least the sausages will be released.

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#53

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britishmoments Report

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Fat Harry (Oi / You)
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I, a man, used to work in a shop and answered the phone one day using my female colleague's name, just for a laugh... only to have answered the phone on one of the extremely rare occasions that my own mother phoned the shop. She said "You don't sound like Toni"

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#54

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britishmoments Report

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Nicola Roberts
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I took a while to figure out who was Rachel and who was Eve, but it is sweet.

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#58

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Did I say that out loud? (he/him)cis/het
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2 months ago

This comment has been deleted.

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#60

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Solidhog
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And the council will be "We are giving you a fine for putting your bin out early."

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#61

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Did I say that out loud? (he/him)cis/het
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMFG! Mrs Butler hammering the shįt out of the piano as 50 kids sound like scalded cats while belting out "Morning Has Broken." Happy days.

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#62

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Neon
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, somebody can comprehend "military time" or as known everywhere else as just Time ;) https://www.reddit.com/r/suicidebywords/comments/11soohf/im_american_i_cant_read_military_time/#lightbox

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#64

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Ginky
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s one of my favourites so I save it for maximum dramatic effect.

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#65

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#67

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WindySwede
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They will sonn start charging a return fee for this sort of shopping?

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#68

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Solidhog
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Been to ALDIs? Only popped in for milk and came out with 100 items for the garden, a load of tools and camping gear.

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#70

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WindySwede
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Eating a 2000 kcal pizza, but spread over a year its only 5,5 kcal per day!

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#73

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WindySwede
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Leave in back garden if I am not there" 🎵🎸🥁👩‍🎤👨‍🎤

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#75

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Paul C.
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Saw someone across the road a while back told my wife he was in my year at school.......I'm 70!

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#77

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Brittania Kelli
Community Member
2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Covering a weird as hell comment that is unnerving and unnecessary. What is wrong with people? La la la nothing to see here, just a funny story about drunk people being silly...

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#79

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Neon
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait till you realize she just left you unsupervised in a bath tub the whole time... Mommy time ;)

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#83

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PeepPeep the duck
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just googled this product and I’m angry and jealous Australia hasn’t got it. Especially in Perth where it’s basically ‘little Britain’ 😝

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#84

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UKGrandad
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a new strategy. Leave the small potholes to get bigger until they all join together to form one big pothole. Hey Presto! No more potholes.

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#86

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Kira Okah
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Gaffer (or gaffa), British colloquial: boss; foreman; old man. Here combined with Jaffa Cake, a confectionary made by McVitie's.

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#87

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Dragon mama
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omg there's no comments. I need to know if this is a thing and I'm all alone here in the wilderness wondering "do they?!?" Send help

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#88

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James016
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is why my GP has moved to an online form. It is a massive improvement. If you can't do the form online then we can call in and they will do the form for you.

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James016
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So it's YOU that keeps emptying the shelves of squashies. Save some for the rest of us.

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#91

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Andrew Keir
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If people are prepared to pay that much, other people will expect it

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#95

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Pandemonium
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you pretend you're John Cleese it feels a lot less awkward, ironically

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#96

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Emma S
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ryanair sent me a follow-up email the day after I was looking at flights to visit my family in Birmingham, "Are you dreaming of Birmingham?" Not really, no.

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#98

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Kira Okah
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is Jungle Run, a game show from the early 2000s, similar to Crystal Maze and Fort Boyard.

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