Vinegar Valentines
By celticeagle
@celticeagle (189833)
Boise, Idaho
February 12, 2025 4:50pm CST
Popularized in about 1840 the vinegar valentine was an anonymous way to tell someone you weren't interested or that you didn't like something about them. This was during the Victorian Era which was a time of strict social rules and a rigid class hierarchy. You couldn't just have words with someone out in public. So these postcards could be sent anonymously and no one would be the wiser. They would have some weird caricature on them and a well-worded rude poem. Not only was this to the point but the recipient had to pay the postage.
The picture is from flashbak.com
5 people like this
5 responses
@Orson_Kart (8269)
• United Kingdom
12 Feb 25
Was this here in the UK? I’ve never heard of this, but I’ve got the ideal poem for you. Well, not you, but the “someone”
Roses are red
Violets are blue
Now please go away
I’m not interested in you
Is that vinegar enough? 
2 people like this
@celticeagle (189833)
• Boise, Idaho
13 Feb 25
@BarBaraPrz .......Yes, way too polite.
2 people like this
@BarBaraPrz (51819)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
13 Feb 25
I seem to remember them from elementary school...
Roses are red
Violets are blue
You look like a monkey
And you smell like one, too.
or the last line could be:
You belong in a zoo.
1 person likes this
@Deepizzaguy (122162)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
12 Feb 25
I like the image on this post with the woman with a huge nose.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (189833)
• Boise, Idaho
13 Feb 25
That's why I chose it. Pinochio's nose.
1 person likes this
@Deepizzaguy (122162)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
13 Feb 25
@celticeagle I got it now.
1 person likes this
