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For all the grown-up kids out there who didn’t particularly enjoy grammar classes, let’s have a quick reminder what quotation marks are, since it will be relevant to get the distorted and alternate meanings shared in this post.

So, these punctuation marks are used in pairs in various writing systems to set off direct speech, a quotation, or a phrase. You want to use quotation marks with direct quotes, with titles of certain works, to imply alternate meanings, and to write words as words.

There are cases when quotation marks are used not for actual quotes, but rather to carry a connotation of sarcasm, a tongue-in-cheek admission that the thing in quotes isn't actually what it's said to be. When that happens, things take a weird turn.

Scroll down below and see how suspiciously used quotes look and sound in practice. Now, although we cannot really tell whether the authors of these misused quotes used them deliberately or it happened by accident, we cannot deny the entertainment of it all. Psst! More misused quotes can be found in Bored Panda's previous feature right here.

#1

How Touching

How Touching

bea_easter12_ Report

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

I’m, pretty sure you’re NOT SUPPOSED to put your hands together… it’ll really just make things worse…

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#2

Are You Implying It Was Me Who Poop In The Grass?

Are You Implying It Was Me Who Poop In The Grass?

TrashcanMan79 Report

#3

Threatening Church

Threatening Church

dejamenow Report

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

Is that where they dunk you in the baptismal font head-first and hold you there?

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“When quotation marks are misused, it changes the meaning of the sentence,” Alex Wong, the marketing expert, book author and creator of “Hijack Copywriter” told Bored Panda in an interview. According to Wong, a misused quotation mark, comma or apostrophe can make a huge difference.

“This can sometimes cause funny unintended results. For example, each of these three sentences have a different meaning:

'She' was filled with excitement.

She was 'filled' with excitement.

She was filled with 'excitement.'”

Wong believes that people fail to pay attention to where they place their quotation marks. “Compared to periods and commas, quotations get much less focus. You’re more likely to use a comma or period in a sentence than a quote.”

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#6

Alleged “Filmmaker”

Alleged “Filmmaker”

OfficialMVPre Report

“The most common use of quotation marks is for dialogue, such as when someone is speaking. For example, Fred said, ‘The weather is lovely today,’” Wong explained. He said that quotations are also commonly used when you are including a quote in a blog post or essay.

“The researcher states: ‘5 in 10 Americans will get into a car accident sometime.’” He added that he made up this statement.

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#9

The Cop Cars In Orange Country Florida All Say Making A Difference In Comic Sans With Useless Quotation Marks. Makes It Seem Like They Aren't Making A Difference

The Cop Cars In Orange Country Florida All Say Making A Difference In Comic Sans With Useless Quotation Marks. Makes It Seem Like They Aren't Making A Difference

Warm-Branch Report

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

Comic sans is a great font for dyslexics. It's very readable and doesn't deserve all the hate it gets.

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The marketing expert and professional writer also shared a couple of the most common writing mistakes that people make. The first most common mistake is “confusing similar words that sound the same but have different meanings. Here are some common mistakes: Your/you’re; Its/it’s; There/their/they're; Whether/weather; To/too/two; By/buy/bye.”

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Many people also tend to confuse similar-sounding words with different meanings, Wong argues. For example: “Affects/effects; Further/farther; chews/choose; addition/edition.”The third common mistake Wong notes is using sentence fragments or incomplete sentences. For example, Correct: “I stayed home from work because I had a fever.” Incorrect: “I stayed home from work. Because I had a fever.”

#11

The Place You Go When You Need A Negative Test

The Place You Go When You Need A Negative Test

helpmyeyes_ Report

#12

This Sign At A Hotel I Stayed In Last Night

This Sign At A Hotel I Stayed In Last Night

TintarellaDiLuna Report

#13

It's There To Fool The Horses

It's There To Fool The Horses

a_leprechaun Report

Previously, Bored Panda spoke with Searchlights, one of the moderators for the '"Suspiciously" Used Quotation Marks' online community. According to moderator, "I tend to think it's related to the challenge of finding nuance and tone in text. People want to emphasize a word, and for whatever reason they think putting it in quotations gets them there."

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"Generally, the use of quotation marks (when they're not an actual quotation) carries a connotation of sarcasm, or of a tongue-in-cheek admission that the thing in quotes isn't actually what it's said to be. That's what has the effect of making the statement suspicious," they explained. 

"My favorite examples usually come from the food service industry. There's something alarming about chicken being written dubiously as "chicken" (what is it, really?)," they said.

#17

Miami-Dade Police At Their Best

Miami-Dade Police At Their Best

Thepolitikid Report

#18

So What Kind Of Milk Are We Talking, Exactly?

So What Kind Of Milk Are We Talking, Exactly?

Boone710 Report

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#20

Appropriate Suspicious Quotes

Appropriate Suspicious Quotes

paperoblivion Report

#21

Just Saw This In A McDonald's

Just Saw This In A McDonald's

CorpseToes Report

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

Well, at least they admit that their wages are too low to count as such. Also, barring discussions of pay is illegal in many countries including the US.

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#22

I Don't Understand What They Were Trying To Accomplish With The Quotes

I Don't Understand What They Were Trying To Accomplish With The Quotes

InsrtGeekHere Report

#23

The Pharmacy Thinks I'm Fueling Someone's Drug Habit

The Pharmacy Thinks I'm Fueling Someone's Drug Habit

Tsalikon Report

#24

I Don’t Think I Want To Know What This Means

I Don’t Think I Want To Know What This Means

theoddhedgehog Report

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

Maybe, MAYBE "Homemade" can be excused because technically the soup was not made in a home and brought the the restaurant. Not sure how to explain "soups" though.

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#25

I’ve Said It Before And I’ll Say It Again: Quotation Marks Are Not For Emphasis

I’ve Said It Before And I’ll Say It Again: Quotation Marks Are Not For Emphasis

ItHardToFindUsername Report

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

I suspect this comes from the days of typewriters, where the only method of emphasis was to use quotation marks or to change the ribbon from black to red. As a typewriter user, I prefer the latter option.

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#26

No Wonder It’s So Small

No Wonder It’s So Small

StrangeMeeps Report

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

The "good" is a rating and a direct quote from the report. So quotation marks are valid.

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#34

Is It Tho? As Seen Heading North On I-95 In Boca Raton, FL Yesterday

Is It Tho? As Seen Heading North On I-95 In Boca Raton, FL Yesterday

kirby_the_elm Report

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#39

I Don't Think I Want To Bring My Dog Here

I Don't Think I Want To Bring My Dog Here

AnnoyedClaude Report

#40

"Our" Community

"Our" Community

Nehocoste Report

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

Wow. That is actually frightening. Needless to say...don't pass through or visit and expect any "help"

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#41

Something Tells Me I'm Not Going To Get A Prize Every Time

Something Tells Me I'm Not Going To Get A Prize Every Time

PGPeachGames Report

#42

Found This Subtle Threat In Pakistan

Found This Subtle Threat In Pakistan

AdAny6792 Report

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#45

My Cousin Got This For His 18th Birthday

My Cousin Got This For His 18th Birthday

lil_bewp Report

#46

Found At My Local "Mall Sword Store"

Found At My Local "Mall Sword Store"

Vensyth Report

#48

Now That's A Clever Slogan

Now That's A Clever Slogan

TheGuyWithTheComment Report

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

I don't see any problem here? The quotation marks are used to signalize direct speech, so it's not misused? (the slogan is still great though)

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#50

Sure

Sure

SyphilisOfficial Report

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

How is this misusing quote marks? It’s quoting something someone said, right?

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#51

Reminder That Covid Is “Real”

Reminder That Covid Is “Real”

peppermint112 Report

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

I love there are no other comments. No one wants to go "there" about COVID.

#53

My Son Really Did Turn Six Today, Despite His Grandparents’ Inexplicable Use Of Quotation Marks

My Son Really Did Turn Six Today, Despite His Grandparents’ Inexplicable Use Of Quotation Marks

IsabellaBellaBell Report

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#54

"Rest" Room?

"Rest" Room?

turkeysock Report

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

Something tells me I wouldn't really want to use that "rest" room under any circumstances.

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#55

Let’s Just Say You Don’t Pay... With Money

Let’s Just Say You Don’t Pay... With Money

superblobby Report

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Pirates of Zen Pants
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just so you don't miss the implication, the box straight up calls you a ho.

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#56

Incorrect Usage Of Quotation Marks

Incorrect Usage Of Quotation Marks

thatsentertainmentoo Report

#58

Oh My

Oh My

CondescendingBaron Report

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

hmm maybe the manager is pedantic about whether nuts are nuts as opposed to legumes

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#59

I Almost Went Into The Next Room

I Almost Went Into The Next Room

lexychunks Report

#60

Hmm

Hmm

Jep0005 Report

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

I always do this at home. And keep my toothbrush and paste in cupboard or drawer.

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#61

So Subjective

So Subjective

VPM1991 Report

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

And they open sometime in the PM. Can't say when though.

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#62

Please Work Here, There Is "Good Pay"

Please Work Here, There Is "Good Pay"

therealdanconnor Report

#63

My Best Friend Works At A Physical Therapy Practice And She Sent Me This

My Best Friend Works At A Physical Therapy Practice And She Sent Me This

sluttysquids Report

#64

“It’s Real Food”

“It’s Real Food”

pulugulu Report

#65

Some Chicken I Got From My Local Supermarket

Some Chicken I Got From My Local Supermarket

Taggese Report

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#68

I'm Not Falling For It

I'm Not Falling For It

dfaiola18 Report

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#70

We "Care" At This Carehome

We "Care" At This Carehome

Kwalld3 Report

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#72

"Vegetarian" Spring Rolls

"Vegetarian" Spring Rolls

Failingunistudent_ Report

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

Weird. I have a pack of these in my freezer "right now". (Seriously, I currently have a pack of these in my freezer.) Going to recheck the ingredients list...

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#73

What In The Everloving Heck Is That Made Of

What In The Everloving Heck Is That Made Of

random-trans-woman Report

#74

I Am Kayla And My Dad Packed All Of My Things So They Could Move. I Have No Idea What Is In Here

I Am Kayla And My Dad Packed All Of My Things So They Could Move. I Have No Idea What Is In Here

kayla_songbird Report

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#75

My Sister Made This For My “Mom” About 25-30 Years Ago

My Sister Made This For My “Mom” About 25-30 Years Ago

GetTheSpermOut Report

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#77

Must Be One Of Those People Who Thinks That Birds Aren’t Real

Must Be One Of Those People Who Thinks That Birds Aren’t Real

Splungetastic Report

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

We all know that "birds" are really drones made by the government to spy on us! Come on!

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#79

My Grandma Always Puts "Love You" In Quotes

My Grandma Always Puts "Love You" In Quotes

eggcornsgalore Report

#80

4 Out Of 5 “Dentists” Agree

4 Out Of 5 “Dentists” Agree

TastyBiscuits Report

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

Dentists make the most money from filling cavities so they are financially motivated to recommend the worst product for oral hygiene. Trust the fifth, honest, dentist

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#85

I'm Not Sure If Their Hands Are Clean

I'm Not Sure If Their Hands Are Clean

riverboat Report

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#86

I’m Not Sure If This Is A Legit Vitamin

I’m Not Sure If This Is A Legit Vitamin

timmyprime Report

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

Maybe it's something that starts with C, hence the quotation marks... cyanide?

#88

Valentine’s Day Card From My Parents With Some Suspicious Advice

Valentine’s Day Card From My Parents With Some Suspicious Advice

gremlinbeach Report

#89

Not Sure If I'm Buying A Kebab Or Drugs

Not Sure If I'm Buying A Kebab Or Drugs

CapitalGeez Report

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#91

I Wonder If There’s A Name For This Old-Fashioned Schoolhouse Type Of Decor

I Wonder If There’s A Name For This Old-Fashioned Schoolhouse Type Of Decor

ChekovsCurlyHair Report

#92

Go Ahead... Take It

Go Ahead... Take It

TelTheSatyr Report

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Pirates of Zen Pants
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Remember, Ii "quotations marks" aren't sus enough, you can always add a "smiley face" that's half-deranged with glee.

#93

"You're Welcome"? From Costco In KCMO

"You're Welcome"? From Costco In KCMO

pru13 Report

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#94

Saw This At The Local Landfill. I'm Sure My Safety Is On Their Mind

Saw This At The Local Landfill. I'm Sure My Safety Is On Their Mind

kaamady Report

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#95

"Fresh" Seafood

"Fresh" Seafood

Alterex1 Report

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#96

Oh... Was I Here Before?

Oh... Was I Here Before?

Health_Returns Report

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

Put this in a place that does research on memory to really mess with the test subjects

#97

Does The Smiley Face Make It Better?

Does The Smiley Face Make It Better?

nurseybookhoarder Report

#98

Son And “Daughter”

Son And “Daughter”

hyperjynxx Report

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#99

Someone Clearly Doesn't Know How Quotation Marks Work

Someone Clearly Doesn't Know How Quotation Marks Work

m_e_photography Report

#100

Who Wants A Slice Of "Pizza"?

Who Wants A Slice Of "Pizza"?

ScarletMoonie Report

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#103

Great Value And Suspicious Quotes. Wow

Great Value And Suspicious Quotes. Wow

me-haves-coochie Report

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

Wait, if you thought it was fake butter and you were wrong, doesn't that make it real butter?

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#105

She Hates Her Dog

She Hates Her Dog

cheftmfrosty Report

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#106

What Exactly Are We Picking?

What Exactly Are We Picking?

Wipe-Away-The-Debt Report

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#107

Suspicious Honest

Suspicious Honest

Baseball_6626 Report

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#108

Doubt It

Doubt It

goodbarrells Report

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

They don't want to hurt the rabbits' feelings about their dentures. Respect.

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#109

Please Wear A Mask

Please Wear A Mask

Markosmywords Report

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#110

This Sign In Front Of The Busiest Subway On My University’s Campus

This Sign In Front Of The Busiest Subway On My University’s Campus

xkalibur13 Report

#113

How "Natural" Are We Talking Here?

How "Natural" Are We Talking Here?

g0ldv1per Report

#114

I’ll Pass, Thanks

I’ll Pass, Thanks

vaskemaskine Report

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#115

"Peace" Within Our Time

"Peace" Within Our Time

Pro_Yankee Report

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#118

Jesus And "I"

Jesus And "I"

Wheres_the_mousey Report

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#119

This Is Extremely Threatening

This Is Extremely Threatening

TheGreatMrShrimp Report

#120

When Neither Bags, Convenience Nor Coronavirus Is Real: Triple Threat

When Neither Bags, Convenience Nor Coronavirus Is Real: Triple Threat

peanutnozone Report

#121

What Are They Serving Exactly?

What Are They Serving Exactly?

cperson337 Report

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#122

What Are They Actually Learning?

What Are They Actually Learning?

Remexa Report

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#123

"Spaghetti"

"Spaghetti"

5_stelly Report

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

With those prices, are we sure this isn't a coded drug deal?

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#124

But Did It Though?

But Did It Though?

stationwagonguy Report

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#125

So Is It High Precision Or Not

So Is It High Precision Or Not

franekrykowski Report

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

I guess that would depend on what kind of tolerance you're trying to hold.

#126

Three-In-One Combo At My Local Brooklyn Dollar Store

Three-In-One Combo At My Local Brooklyn Dollar Store

jackofallspades98 Report

#127

So... Don't Trust The Science? (Sign Outside Marjorie Taylor Greene's Office For Extra Irony)

So... Don't Trust The Science? (Sign Outside Marjorie Taylor Greene's Office For Extra Irony)

liog2step Report

#128

Will You Really Miss Us While You're Closed? I'm Not Convinced

Will You Really Miss Us While You're Closed? I'm Not Convinced

SchuminWeb Report

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#129

Not Sure What It Is

Not Sure What It Is

marc-ee Report

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

What am I missing here? It obviously means daughter and son in law. Nothing wrong here I think..

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