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The UK has its own breed of humor and what gets a Brit laughing may leave outsiders scratching their heads.

Heavy on self-deprecation, almost undetectable sarcasm, and constant deadpan delivery, it can feel like a totally different language.

But fear not, we’ve put together a new piece about the social media magazine 'British Memes' to help you understand (and use!) their jokes just as effectively as they do.

So continue scrolling and happy learning!

More info: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

#1

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cats_from_the_void
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I see the problem, you were far too kind about it, those who delight in irritating our cat lords must not live

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Cat Chat
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, it's fun getting to these before the censors kick in. 🤣

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From Shakespeare’s comedies to Billy Connolly’s command of an audience, Gavin & Stacey’s taste of Welsh whimsy to Derry Girls’ earthy look at life in the 1990s, humor has been central to the history of storytelling across the UK for a very long time.

But if you ask an academic to come up with a description for British humor, they will most likely run into some trouble.

Dr. Ian Wilkie, a lecturer in performance at the University of Salford, said: “Having taught younger American students, they take the British sense of humor to be Monty Python, by which they mean a sort-of slightly erring towards the surreal, very iconoclastic in terms of attacking the big targets, very silly.”

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Lemme get the lemons
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you! I hate those awards, because I missed one day off of school before, and despite being told I'm one of the best students, like in the top five, I got nothing. It unfair and stupid Edit: I got a prize for attendance today 🙃

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However, Wilkie said that, while those traits can become shorthand for ‘the British sense of humor’, he doesn’t think “that cuts the mustard.”

Dr. Wilkie highlighted that there are already differences in popular humor in the four home nations. It diversifies even more between the major cities, making it difficult to pinpoint a blanket ‘British’ humor.

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One example is the Scottish brash-with-a-twinkle style of Billy Connolly or the more gentle approach of his compatriot Susan Calman. “Scottish people like witty jokes, there is a lot of respect for learning and that it likes quite hard-hitting jokes, ones of mockery,” Wilkie explained.

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While he noted there are similarities between Glaswegian humor and that found in other port cities, such as Liverpool, that Scottish style might not necessarily translate into a Welsh sense of humor or a broader English one.

Attending a comedy night, with many different acts, would show how difficult it is to categorize humour along geographical lines.humor

“You may laugh at different aspects of their schtick, but it would then be difficult to say, ‘well, there’s a British sense of humour’ because of the disparate kind of approaches and world views coming across.”

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Another element worth considering is how much the humor of other countries has influenced British comedy.

If you’ve sat and enjoyed the exaggerated characters in Fawlty Towers, the characters and scrapes they find themselves in reflect the sketches of the Commedia dell’arte, a form of theatre from 16th Century Italy.

Among other elements, it involved a series of recognizable characters from all aspects of society engaged in witty dialogue.

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Cat Chat
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even worse, we have a 4 level house (really it's split level front/back, so only 2 rooms per floor), and it doesn't work going up nor down.

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Surrealism, long considered a staple of British humor was, as Dr. Wilkie describes it, performed by: “Dadaists from countries that we may choose not to think of as particularly funny, such as Germany."

“They were doing surrealism to the nth degree, quite deliberately as a performative art, in the early part of the 20th Century. I think it’s something we like to appropriate in a way and imagine that we’re the custodians of it, but it’s not culturally specific at all.”

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With Monty Python held up as a good example of leftfield humor from the UK, the Carry On… series of films suggests a national affection for a less sophisticated bawdiness loaded with double entendres.

While they did enjoy popularity outside the country (Carry On Nurse ran in Los Angeles for more than two-and-a-half years on its initial release), Dr. Humor Wilkie doesn’t see the humor contained within the 30 titles of the franchise as something that defines a nation.

“Carry On… kind of made fun of itself in its day, it was already slightly self-consciously old-fashioned and seaside postcard, but people could enjoy it because they could say, all bets are off really, we’re going to see something that’s sexist, end of the pier and a bit silly and that was fine,“ Dr. Wilkie explained.

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Anxious&Bored Bear
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hate those hypocrites who say work harder: your college education was paid for even when you were failing, your job was nepotism, and your wealth was inherited.

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GenericPanda09
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pity they were told never to text again, they could have followed it up with a Lamb Borgini pic.

Brooklyn Roffman
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1 year ago

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SydneyGirl
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I read that as carbonara and then thought, are the banana’s just for scale?

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It’s these different styles and presentations of comedy by British performers that. Dr. Wilkie believes make it impossible for an academic to point, with confidence, at various elements and state categorically that they alone make up the nation’s famed sense of humor.

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Pink Princess
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Red telephone boxes look so cool and posh and aesthetic and then you have the one on the right

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#33

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Shyla Bouche
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's a really nice frozen custard place about 45 min. away from my parents. They'd make the trip once a month or so, and bring the dog. He got a spoonful of everyone's custard. Once they went, and it was cold, rainy, and crowded. They decided to go to the Baskin Robbins across the street. They got their ice cream, and a paper bowl so they could share with the dog. He wouldn't eat it. I guess he decided that if he was going that far, it had to be the custard or nothing.

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“No, I wouldn’t say there is a British sense of humor,” he concluded. “I think the best you can hope for is some big, beacon terms (eg. sarcasm, understatement, self-deprecation), that maybe, over a fair amount of time, might hold water."

“Comedy and humor have always been so open to counter-examples that you can never really pin anything down. It’s like trying to nail jelly to a wall.”

However, if you'd like to see more 'British Memes,' fire up our first publication on this fun little project.

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Anxious&Bored Bear
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same in the US: rich people find loopholes to get out of paying taxes, so the taxes on the workers get increased.

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#39

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Robert T
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bradley Walsh trying desperately not to crack up. He still hasn't got over F***y Chmelar on The Chase.

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#40

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Chihuahua Mama
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually feel it's a win if you haven't set foot in Dubai. Seems like a soulless place

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#42

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Michael P (Perthaussieguy)
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everyone was enjoying the Donner Kebabs at the Christmas Party. Then they ran out. So they started on the Blitzen Kebabs.

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#44

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Susan Bosse
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They have use of full lanes in my city, whether one or a gaggle of them. Tons of cyclists around here. HATE getting behind them but good on you for exercising. Now get out of my way. I have snacks at home.

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#47

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Fenchurch
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Doesn't taste the same as an adult.. I suspect they have removed some of the more dubious colourants and flavourings.

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#48

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Auntriarch
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The first person to win Deal or No Deal, her long term boyfriend left her a couple of weeks before. Not the same scale, but it did give us a nice warm feeling

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#49

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cats_from_the_void
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

oh you poor intellectually deprived dears, why would the government waste valuable tracking devices on you?

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#51

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Fenchurch
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Them "can just I take an email address?" Me "No" Me on a more pedantic day " I don't know can you?"

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#52

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Michael P (Perthaussieguy)
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Twist: It wasn't part of a 'Meal deal', he was actually asking you out but saved himself by using this tactic :)

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The Original Bruno
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

President Clinton wishes he had come up with this idea. The Eat Out to Help Out scheme, I mean.

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#62

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Monday
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Especially if it still kinda works when you hold it at just the right angle.

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#63

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Delta Dawn
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

please tell me cba means can’t be arsed, because I’m going to use that from now on

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#64

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Scrapiechick
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My old landlord used to do this thinking it wouldn't count and formal communications when I sued him for 3x my deposit hahahahaha

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Cat Chat
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I laugh every time I get into the turn lane for my street, which looks like I'm sneaking in early for the turn lane for the light just past our street. Car after car starts following me to jump ahead, too. Then they are stuck behind me, where as if they drove passed me and got into the lane when they should have, would already be through the light. 🤣

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#73

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Sami-Jo Ross
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I tried balancing an opened water bottle on my forehead with the same results.

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Gustav Gallifrey
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not likely. In Australia, they'll advertise e.g. table saws for $99.00, and you go there at opening time to get one and it turns out that maybe 4 were allocated to the three Aldi stores in your town, and somehow (mysteriously) they've all already been sold.

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Cat Chat
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So, my 23f missed Mother's Day this year, but visited a couple of days ago. I showed her the poems her little sisters gave me hanging on the wall (unframed). Then showed her I still had the framed one she gave me at the same age. She started crying and I was like "yeah, your Mom still loves you!" She replies "No, and I only say this because they are asleep - I'M STILL THE FAVORITE!" 🤣

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#78

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OnlyMe
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

they usually knock on the door and call housekeeping. Obvs if you're passed out you didn't hear so bum to you haha

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More!
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’ll be mum retuning the favour (it’s a passive sort of revenge thing) We really just do it to annoy our kids.

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Donkey boi
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm wondering if anyone, well anywhere, has experienced the likes of the Colin & Cuthbert scandal. I mean do our American friends know the feeling to pick a side on such a raw topic? Do our passionate European neighbours have enough passion to enter this arena? Have our Asian fellows ever felt on the brink of anarchy over such a sensitive topic?

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#84

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Harls
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When you're shooting a free kick and a wall isn't even attempted.

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#88

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OnlyMe
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this is me - my teenage son ALWAYS waits until I get up and asks me for a drink

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#92

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Auntriarch
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's not Barbara whose husband ran off with a footballer is it? I mean I can understand why she got into yogurt after that

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VonBlade
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Peas and Pasta, dish them FROM the bag to the pan using the spoon you normally dish up with, tada, guaranteed to have the right amount.

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Auntriarch
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing how many adverts have "maxi" on them. RIP Maxi, greyhound of distinction

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OnlyMe
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Really? Guess I won't be going there anytime soon then.

#98

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CwtchyMama
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok but have you heard his podcast " help I sexted my boss " I'm pushing myself every episode

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Paul Neff
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a relief, here I was thinking only Americans let their pets drive cars...

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Rizzo
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

LIDL is a german company. Why the hell does this looks so much better than at the one around the corner from me?

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#104

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GenericPanda09
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to work for the company that set up the clubcard scheme when it was just a guy and his wife that set it up out of their back bedroom, and was later bought outright by Tesco... my advice don't use one, that amount of data on you isn't worth an extra 7p off a can of beans every month. They analyse and sell ALL your shopping habits to EVERYONE willing to pay for it, one day they'll have coca cola in selling them it, the next pepsi will be in buying the same data on you. Stopped buying codoms this month? Next month your offers will probably be about nappies or some other baby stuff. All sold to you as doing you a favour, but in reality exploiting the f**k out of you.

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#110

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Heather Resatz
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you have parents that are good for you to stay with, bless you!! Do it!!

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Donkey boi
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Scampi Fries. Great if you're eating them! Shocking if you're smelling someone who's eaten them!

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#118

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Tucker Cahooter
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The footnote "* restrictions do not apply for members of the UK Government" has been omitted from the post

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#121

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Nikki Sevven
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, because I stop for a hot second and remember how much I hate doing laundry.

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ynyrhydref56
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I take it this is about Madeleine McCann and not the precocious French schoolgirl of the cartoon. 😜 I was so confused for a second.

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TotallyNOTaFox
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Could have been worse - imagine being german and taking part in the contest....

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Nikki Sevven
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And here we are only halfway through 2020v3. Only six more iterations left.

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