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When you think about it, Twitter is one of those social media platforms that truly reflects life. People over there laugh, cry, blare their outrage, and find reasons to unite. However, it’s also the place where typing 280 characters can lead to an argument with half of the world and provoke an avalanche of razor-sharp remarks.

If you’ve ever scrolled through your Twitter feed, you probably came across the word “ratio” at least once or twice. According to Merriam-Webster, “ratio” took on new life in March 2017 and started referring to tweets that receive more critical or negative replies than likes or retweets. There’s also another meaning — when a reply gets more likes than the original post.

Feeling confused? Just take a look at the Successful Ratios account full of examples of how people’s ridiculous and controversial tweets got ratioed in the best possible way. So get ready to dive into some of the best posts we’ve collected right below, upvote your favorites as you go, and share your thoughts about them in the comments!

#1

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

I didn't know there were lunar new year gatekeepers as well. Should we let anybody just decide what they can gatekeep? Surely not! WHO GATEKEEPS THE GATEKEEPERS?

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#3

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

Sorry but China really has no right to be proud about this when meanwhile they're literally putting people in camps

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It’s no surprise that Twitter is winning over more and more people each day for being an efficient tool for communication. People over there can quickly share the newest events, call out false information, and spark heated discussions. Yet, not all tweets are equal. Some users send out lousy tweets for the whole world to read without thinking twice. Such opinions often provoke a significant response and receive hundreds of thousands of critical replies, which is proof right there that something went horribly wrong.

Luckily, some people decide to stand up against such nonsense and come up with creative and quick-witted retorts that get a deluge of positive reactions. And no wonder why — seeing a person one-upping someone who’s clearly wrong is a feeling like no other. However, to receive more likes than the original post, your reply has to be razor-sharp to shut down the person arrogantly flaunting their ignorance.

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#4

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

Aw, Clay Higgins clearly though he was being clever (big miss with that word salad) and The Dictionary put it so beautifully! Love it.

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#6

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

I can't believe I'm gonna say this, but I agree with red flag on this one!

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Previously, we spoke to Abigail Paul, a standup comedian, improviser, and actress, about humorous comebacks and how people could improve their comedy skills. She was kind enough to share her thoughts on why people leave comments in the first place. “Today’s reader has the advantage over their predecessor that they feel part of the action,” she told Bored Panda.

“In comedy, we are always looking to create content that an audience member will relate to, so when someone leaves a fantastic comment on an article or picture, it helps us feel connected, a little less alone,” Abigail mentioned. “It shows us that someone else, maybe many people, think the same way we do. We take great comfort in not being alone on our ideas.”

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The standup comedian said that the secret to a successful comment is probably equal parts true and surprising. An unexpected reply “that just has shock value isn’t as highly regarded as one that is embedded in truth.”

“In comedy terms, your picture or article you are commenting on is your setup. Your witty comment is the punchline,” she explained. “There are lots of ways to be funny, but a great punchline will usually have excellent use of wordplay, exaggeration, or make an analogy to something else so the reader can maybe see the topic in a new light.”

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#11

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Evil Little Thing
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

His shirt isn't a threat though. It means "vote to stop them from killing us". It's also not directed at white middle schoolers.

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“The most important thing is usually an element of surprise. Good comedy writers use misdirection as well as a magician does. We think we see you going to one place and you go somewhere unexpected. Audiences love a twist,” Abigail said, saying that true crime podcasts are a great example.

According to her, leaving a comment and letting out a laugh or two allow us to better bond with other people. “Comedy is the most fun thing humans can share (besides pizza),” she said. “The pandemic has forced a lot of comedy experiences online. It hurt live comedy a lot, but new spaces have thrived online because people need to connect and laugh. The upside is you can find ways to be funny at home in your PJs.”

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#14

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

I don't even understand why Butterfinger still exists. I have never met anyone in my life who eats them.

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#15

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

thank you discord. now if bored panda could just.... loosen their grip a little..........

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#17

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

is it cutting off something? i dont get the joke edit: ty for the replies :)

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If you want to improve at writing clever and funny comments online, you need to practice. “Comedy is a skill,” Abigail told us. “The more you write, the better you usually get.” But it’s important “not to get too precious about your work. Notice which clever comments you are writing get lots of likes or replies, and see if you can dissect why that comment is working.”

“If something isn’t working, don’t worry too much about why. A lot of good writing is throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks.” She advised you to focus on what works and try to replicate your own formula. “Also — edit. Are there any words you can take out, but the comment is still really funny? Then do. The more concise you are, the better it is for your reader.”

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#18

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#20

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

Celebrating weight loss is what??? Why would a person trying to become healthier be a bad thing?!

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#21

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

That second tweet didn’t ratio the first. It’s just a bad tweet.

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#29

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cybermerlin2000
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would have put continuous diarrhoea so that you leave a sticky brown vapour trail as you fly that drifts down to the crowds below as you pass

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#30

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Note: this post originally had 36 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.