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It's important to use the right words when you want to get your point across. Often, they're the only means of communication available to us.

But expressing nuanced thoughts and feelings through language can be difficult. So let's try to learn from the best!

There's a subreddit called r/OddlySpecific and as the name suggests, its 1.2 million members are dedicated to collecting distinct, precise phrases that strangely make perfect sense.

So continue scrolling to check the best ones they spotted and fire up our first publication on this awesome online community for more.

#1

Adult Books vs. Kids' Books

Adult Books vs. Kids' Books

sketchesbyboze Report

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

Kids books for the win!!!! Can I get some YA novel recommendations with decent plots and non-depressing endings???

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If you want your speeches to have a stronger impact, American author, columnist, keynote speaker, and former journalist and news anchor Carmine Gallo suggests replacing long words with short ones. "In his groundbreaking book Thinking, Fast and Slow, Nobel economist Daniel Kahneman writes, 'If you care about being thought credible and intelligent, do not use complex language where simpler language will do.' Effective leaders speak in simple language — and simple means short," Gallo explained.

He said this is especially true during a crisis, when attention spans are flagging and noise levels are high. "People are being bombarded by information, some of which is misleading or false. The clearer and more concise you are, the better your chances of getting your message across and persuading people to act on it."

#3

Billionaires Are Boring

Billionaires Are Boring

sgrstk Report

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

Exactly! I knew a very wealthy family with a 14,000 sq ft home and no roller skates to take advantage of it!

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#4

Yes

Yes

Hrejuh Report

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

"Back in my day, we had decent pastry shops on every corner... people took pride in their work! Kids these days...just throwin' a bread recipe together with no damn skill... I'll tell you what..."

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

i love that little kid he looks like hes going to start some story but then drift off half way through lol

ohjojo (you/your's)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why not, he worked hard all his life. It's time he enjoys his daughter's wedding

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

The suspenders make him look old. The long grey beard, bald head, are kinda disappearing once you focus on this accessory, he may even appear to be childlike looking if you focus other spots. But the suspenders ... throw him in and under, no pardons given.

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"As you think about how to share your next message, remember that language influenced by the Anglo-Saxon period has been used by many great leaders," Gallo highlighted.

Winston Churchill once said, "The shorter words of a language are usually the more ancient. Their meaning is more ingrained in the national character and they appeal to greater force."

In a memo titled Brevity, Churchill urged government administrators to replace long "woolly phrases" with single conversational words, pointing out that brevity equals clarity and that directness makes things easier to understand.

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Next, Gallo thinks you should search for analogies. "Neuroscientists have found that our brains process the world by associating the new or unknown with something familiar. When presented with a novel idea, our brains don't ask, 'What is it?' They ask, 'What is it like?'"

"Analogies answer that question. They serve as mental shortcuts that help us understand complex events. Leaders who are great communicators in a crisis are skilled at finding analogies, because they have to persuade people to act quickly."

#10

This Reply

This Reply

Sleepy_weeb_AOT Report

#12

Even Average Sounds Extraordinary During Victorian Times

Even Average Sounds Extraordinary During Victorian Times

ambernoelle Report

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The human brain is wired for storytelling. In his best-selling book Sapiens, historian Yuval Noah Harari argues that it was only through stories that our species was able to take over the world.

Our advanced language skills — specifically, our ability to connect with one another through narrative — allowed us to cooperate in ways other species simply could not.

#16

Uuh... Fox Title?

Uuh... Fox Title?

Yarklik Report

#17

Humble Living As A Gnome

Humble Living As A Gnome

sketchesbyboze Report

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

I didn't know that this was what I wanted from life until I read it here.

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Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease at the National Institutes of Health, is widely admired for his straight, persuasive talk. CNN has even called him “a public force” who translates complex medical information into everyday language.

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"You don’t want to impress people and razzle-dazzle them with your knowledge," Fauci said. "You just want them to understand what you’re talking about."

#18

The Jeans Discount Is The Cherry On Top

The Jeans Discount Is The Cherry On Top

FruityNesa Report

#19

This Will Be A Reality One Day

This Will Be A Reality One Day

AliKolbert Report

#20

An Interesting Title

An Interesting Title

ceejoyner Report

#21

When You Get Flashbacks Of Working Retail

When You Get Flashbacks Of Working Retail

AOC Report

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

Meanwhile in other countries someone gets praised as a „normal“ or a „peoples person“ for not being born into money/ power.

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Because of that, Fauci often limits himself to just three key points. For instance, in an April 5 appearance on Face the Nation, he said the country would be able to relax social-distancing guidelines only when three things were in place: "the ability to test, isolate, and do contact tracing."

Fauci also pointed out that Americans must continue to “physically separate” from one another by doing three things: staying six feet apart, limiting gatherings to 10 or fewer people, and avoiding mass interactions, such as in restaurants, bars, and theaters.

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Words are powerful, and the more mindful you are with them, the more they can offer you.

#22

Not A Squirrel!

Not A Squirrel!

North_Inflation1710 Report

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ohjojo (you/your's)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Keith should try bringing $5 with him to buy lunch instead of bringing his lunch. That is sure to keep the squirrels away

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#23

Rbdbdjddn

Rbdbdjddn

Mei_Shir Report

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

As an avid book reader, this happens to me more times than I can count….lol

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#26

Smoke

Smoke

anonymousbwmb Report

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

My pointed this out to my dad and he said my grandad (RIP) pointed that out to his (Christian) teacher and got detention for saying that lol

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#27

20-20-20 Noted

20-20-20 Noted

jacques_lakan Report

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

🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳

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#29

Sheeranphobia, An Interesting Disease

Sheeranphobia, An Interesting Disease

JonCutress Report

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

Ma'm, I have a terrible news. It's only a scratch, They'll be fine but.... They are a secret Sheerfan.

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#30

Oh Cool

Oh Cool

Idksonameiguess Report

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DennyS (denzoren)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just last month I saw a bird in the garden and thought...you know, I should get one of those books that bird watchers use.

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#32

Found On Meirl

Found On Meirl

acarboni Report

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

Pro-tip: use different browser profiles and Youtube accounts. I one for my hobby, one for general casual viewing, and one for cats.

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#33

Eminems More Positive Cousin

Eminems More Positive Cousin

Gogetbusy Report

#35

I Have Never Made A Doctor's Appointment By Myself

I Have Never Made A Doctor's Appointment By Myself

tey_an Report

#36

Weird Way To Describe It But I Get The Idea

Weird Way To Describe It But I Get The Idea

NangSor Report

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#39

The Fact That This Is Not An Exaggeration Makes It Even Better. British Football Chants Are Fun

The Fact That This Is Not An Exaggeration Makes It Even Better. British Football Chants Are Fun

daveloach2 Report

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

Same in Greece. And it varies from remarks for opponents' moms to seggsual insults to the team

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#42

Ok, Josh

Ok, Josh

Captain_TPT Report

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

As teens my friends and I would steal a few carved pumpkins off porches late Halloween night each year. We would write the address of the house they came from and put it in a Ziploc bag inside the pumpkins then put the pumpkins in a deep freezer. On the night before Thanksgiving we would then take them back to their porches and leave them. We would hear kids talking about it at school wondering about it. Good times!

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#43

Connor

Connor

Gamefreak_2438 Report

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

That is an insult to Honda Accords. At least a Honda Accord will usually get you there.

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#44

No Time To Bleed!

No Time To Bleed!

TheGreek420 Report

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#46

Interesting Quiz Options

Interesting Quiz Options

philsadelphia Report

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girlsrock4ever
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Exactly! And you know which answer is for which, it's so obvious. Plus, only a small minority of people actually act like a stereotypical introvert/extrovert.

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#48

I Also Feel This Way A Bit

I Also Feel This Way A Bit

laureenbazzi Report

#49

I Dont *look* Like A R*pist Or Serial Killer

I Dont *look* Like A R*pist Or Serial Killer

peoplecallmeromy Report

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

I live at night, I unfortunately cannot tell you the number of women I’ve seen looking scared to even be out or on public transports. I feel sorry and angry at the world at the same time.

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#52

Twenty Years Is Too Long

Twenty Years Is Too Long

Latoriahamm Report

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#57

We’re Gonna Need A Map For This One

We’re Gonna Need A Map For This One

squidslippers Report

#58

We All Have Our Secrets

We All Have Our Secrets

JeffieBrittain Report

#59

That Must Suck

That Must Suck

PersonalityOnly8201 Report

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Gauri Joshi - Nair
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Alternatively, what if you got the non-human parts of both? Would you be a bull with a fish tail but have a human brain/intelligence? That would be hilarious ngl

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#61

Guy Was Told

Guy Was Told

donbosco2017 Report

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

Tell me you've tried something, without actually saying it.

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#62

I Wouldn't Be Able To Afford A House Anyway, But Might Give A Try?

I Wouldn't Be Able To Afford A House Anyway, But Might Give A Try?

NeighborhoodWise7659 Report

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

Finally someone offering real advice in this economy

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#63

I Would Like To Read Her Essay, Think She's Onto Something

I Would Like To Read Her Essay, Think She's Onto Something

VeryBadLlama Report

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

Does not make sense, as 50% of all those things on earth were snapped away with the people they inhabited.

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#64

Ah, A Redditor's Dream

Ah, A Redditor's Dream

leo_mm_9183 Report

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radioactivecandy (they/them)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

him, the embodiment of a neckbeard, smelling like his 3rd stepmother's basement, mountain dew, and taco bell, drawing erotic fanart of lolis.

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#66

Special Kind Of Relationship

Special Kind Of Relationship

WellFuckthissucks Report

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

Coworker on the first day I met her: "---and that concludes the precise description of how I gave birth to my daughter eight years ago, broken down by minute!" Me, trying desperately to will the chair I'm sitting on to dematerialize and take me with it to sweet, sweet nonexistence: "Oh cool"

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#67

So He’s Working On This Character

So He’s Working On This Character

colorfulsoul_ Report

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#70

The Future We Asked For

The Future We Asked For

rolldiggity Report

#74

Having Diarrhea Isn’t Really The Same As Anaphylactic Shock

Having Diarrhea Isn’t Really The Same As Anaphylactic Shock

ishanG24 Report

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

Ok this is so true! My friend is allergic to peanuts, he's really over-cautious. My dad is gluten intolerant, he refuses to eat bread. My friend is lactose intolerant and one time in year 8 she bought an entire tub of ice cream and used the lid as a spoon whilst waiting for her dad. She didn't come into school the next day lol

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#75

Dk Why But It Makes Sense In My Head And I Hate It

Dk Why But It Makes Sense In My Head And I Hate It

NotSoBallsy Report

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#78

A Very Specific Removal Process

A Very Specific Removal Process

PinchaPenny893 Report

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Wicked Moon216
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would think the sight of a diamond saw coming towards their genitalia would either a) cause it to instantly shrink, or b) cause them to pass out from fear & making their blood pressure drop enough to get it off, lol!!

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#80

What A Dream

What A Dream

blacksheetpartyRSVP Report

#81

Everyone Wants A Goth B****

Everyone Wants A Goth B****

brbarretdsq Report

#83

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day!

clearly_quite_absurd Report

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#85

You Know I've Gotta Make Em Now

You Know I've Gotta Make Em Now

Trashed_PANda_lol Report

#88

Spinach

Spinach

JacksonT3000 Report

#89

Monke

Monke

BuffMonke Report

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Chris Kane
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Corpses. They can spread disease and are a sign of danger, we're afraid of corpses.

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#93

That's What Good Dads Do

That's What Good Dads Do

ANdbORph Report

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

No. Just no. May, itself, may be a name ... Mayella, anyone?

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#95

Thats One Hell Of A Drug

Thats One Hell Of A Drug

Suchtino Report

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

NOT original, This is an episode of Star Trek TNG, It happens to Picard.

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#96

Poor Walter

Poor Walter

je1992 Report

#97

This Belongs Here

This Belongs Here

Careful_Tea_1407 Report

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

If you have your own chair, bounce away, but when my boyfriend bounces his as we are sharing the same part of the couch, it makes my butt vibrate and I spill my snacks.

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#98

Oddly Specific Serial Killer

Oddly Specific Serial Killer

Hour_Row_9697 Report

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DennyS (denzoren)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Hello, police? I'd like to report someone that you should run a background check on because I'm 100% sure you're gonna find something"

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#100

He's Straight Okay

He's Straight Okay

SarcasticBeast69 Report

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

Are you trying to summon straightness? You have to say it 3 times.

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#102

Hmm

Hmm

redwolf0330 Report

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

This entirely depends of if I know the way or if I am having to concentrate on the rout.

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#103

Oddly Specific

Oddly Specific

da_yeet_boii06 Report

#108

Concrete Is The Cookie Dough

Concrete Is The Cookie Dough

male_specimen Report

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#109

Olympic Specific

Olympic Specific

harold_the_cat Report

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

So Ron Swanson has a second secret identity in addition to Duke Silver ?

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#110

I Will Not Fight

I Will Not Fight

skellycreeper Report

#111

Its Not That Spicy... (?)

Its Not That Spicy... (?)

SL33PW4LK1NG Report

#113

What A Turn On

What A Turn On

dometic_violins Report

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