Fowl Play at the Supermarket: When Chicken Deals Hatch Petty Revenge
Picture this: it’s Monday, you’re cruising the aisles of your local supermarket, and you spot the deal of the week—a family pack of chicken at just 99 cents a pound. In this economy, that’s not just a win, it’s a windfall! Visions of meal-prepped lunches and cozy casseroles fill your head, and you can almost taste that savings. But just as you’re about to grab some extra packs for the freezer, fate (and a French bulldog) intervene.
That’s exactly what happened to one clever Redditor, u/cedarsynecdoche, who shared their tale of supermarket shenanigans and sweet, sweet petty revenge on r/PettyRevenge. What unfolds is a story that’s equal parts relatable and deliciously satisfying.
Chicken Run: The Great Grocery Grab
As the OP (that’s “original poster” for the non-Redditors) scanned the fridge for another pack of bargain chicken, they encountered a fellow shopper who was less “neighborly community member” and more “chicken hoarding bandit.” This guy wasn’t just reaching for a couple of packs—he was loading up his cart with the entire remaining row. Fourteen family-sized packs, to be exact.
When confronted, our villain—accompanied by his apparently protein-loving French bulldog—shrugs off the plea for just one pack. Not only that, but he offers a condescending alternative: “You can have the $1.79 chicken.” Oof. That’s not just rude, that’s poultry in motion.
But our hero isn’t ruffled. With a little determination (and some strategic digging behind the chicken wings), they unearth one last 99-cent treasure. Victory—albeit a small one—is theirs.
A Cluckin’ Good Twist
But the story doesn’t end at the meat counter. In a move worthy of a sitcom, the OP heads to the checkout, where two lanes are open: a speedy express lane and a regular one. Here’s where the petty revenge gets served hotter than fried chicken.
With a smile (and perhaps a dash of mischief), the OP strikes up a conversation with the cashier:
“Gosh, this is a great price for chicken! Is there a limit on how many?”
The cashier checks the store ad, revealing the all-important rule: limit four per customer. The OP politely declines an offer to add more chicken to their haul, but not before ensuring the policy is announced loud and clear. And, as the pièce de résistance, they turn to their partner and say—within earshot of the would-be chicken king—“I can see how they’d limit how many you can take at such a price.”
Meanwhile, our greedy antagonist, cart loaded with way over the limit, is now faced with the prospect of returning about ten family-packs of chicken to the fridge, all while under the watchful eye of a busy checkout lane. Justice, as they say, is best served cold (from the meat fridge).
Why We Love a Good Petty Revenge Story
Why does this story resonate with so many? First, it’s the classic satisfaction of seeing a rule-breaker get their comeuppance—without a single raised voice or angry confrontation. Instead, our protagonist uses politeness, strategic timing, and a sprinkle of wit to ensure fairness prevails.
Second, who hasn’t had their own run-in with a grocery aisle grinch? Whether it’s the person who clears out the sale items, blocks the aisle with a cart, or (heaven forbid) cuts in line, we all know the frustration. Petty revenge stories like this provide a little catharsis—a reminder that sometimes, you can restore balance to the universe with nothing more than a smile and a well-timed question.
The Etiquette of Sharing (and a Side of Karma)
There’s an unwritten social contract when it comes to sales and limits, especially in times of rising prices. If everyone takes only their fair share, there’s enough to go around. But when one person decides the rules don’t apply to them, it’s not just inconsiderate—it’s downright selfish. And as this story shows, sometimes stores—and fellow shoppers—are more than happy to enforce the rules.
So next time you’re tempted to clear out the last of a hot sale, remember: someone might be watching, ready to unleash their own brand of polite, passive-aggressive justice.
Have You Ever Served Up a Side of Petty Revenge?
What’s your supermarket saga? Have you ever caught someone breaking the unspoken rules, or dished out a little comeuppance of your own? Drop your stories—and your best chicken puns—in the comments. Who knows, your next shopping trip might just inspire the next great tale of petty revenge.
Happy shopping, and may your deals be ever in your favor!
Original Reddit Post: Taking more than your share? Let me help with that.