The Pettiest Revenge Down Under: How One Aussie Fights Bad Service With Extra Napkins
If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of a surly server or felt the sting of a cashier’s icy glare, you’ve probably fantasized about getting a little revenge. But what if that revenge wasn’t about yelling, writing a scathing review, or demanding to speak to the manager? What if it was…just taking a few extra napkins?
Welcome to the delightfully petty world of u/StabbyInc, who shared their story on Reddit’s r/PettyRevenge—and captured the hilarious, relatable essence of micro-rebellion. Forget grand gestures: sometimes, the sweetest victories are measured in bamboo cutlery and chicken salt.
A Lesson in Down Under Decency
First, some context for the non-Aussies: In Australia, tipping isn’t customary. That means being polite, cheerful, and considerate isn’t transactional—it’s just basic decency. And u/StabbyInc is a shining example of this, always treating service workers with kindness, manners, and the occasional compliment. In their own words, “Treat others how you wanna be treated, right?”
Most of the time, this works wonders. A smile begets a smile, and the world is a brighter place. But every now and then, our hero encounters a service worker who’s checked out, curt, or just radiating “I’d rather be anywhere but here” energy. Do they lose their cool? Nope. They turn stoic, remain polite…and plot the pettiest payback imaginable.
The Art of Petty Revenge: Napkin Edition
Here’s where the revenge comes in. The next time a server gives them attitude, u/StabbyInc doesn’t go full Karen. Instead, they simply grab a few extra napkins—maybe an extra ketchup packet, a set of bamboo cutlery, a smidge more chicken salt than usual. Not enough to be noticed. Just enough to feel like a tiny, secret victory.
It’s not about bankrupting the business (we’re talking pennies here). It’s about the principle: “Your crappy attitude just cost your business 1.5 cents, Karen. How does that make you feel!?” The satisfaction isn’t in the savings, but in the symbolism. It’s a gentle, hilarious way to say, “I noticed you were rude, and this is my (utterly harmless) response.”
Why This Petty Revenge Resonates
This story has racked up hundreds of upvotes and dozens of comments because, let’s be honest, we’ve all been there. Who hasn’t fantasized about a victimless, low-stakes act of rebellion in the face of bad service? It’s the customer-service equivalent of muttering a comeback under your breath, or—if you grew up in the ‘90s—rewinding the VHS tape just a little too far.
What makes it even better is the self-awareness. u/StabbyInc admits it’s “stupidly petty”—but sometimes, that’s what makes it so satisfying. It’s not about teaching anyone a lesson or exacting real harm. It’s about reclaiming a sliver of power in a situation where you otherwise feel dismissed.
The Great Napkin Heist: A Global Phenomenon?
After reading this, you might wonder: Is this the future of customer revenge? Could a wave of slightly-more-stock-depleting customers change the world, one napkin at a time? Probably not. But it does highlight something universal: we all want to feel seen and respected, whether we’re serving or being served.
And if you’re a server reading this—don’t worry! Most people, like u/StabbyInc, really do want to make your day better. But on those rare occasions when you slip into curtness, just remember: somewhere, a customer might be pocketing an extra ketchup packet in your honor.
Let’s Keep It Light—And Polite
At the end of the day, this story is a funny reminder that the little things matter. A smile, a “thank you,” or a friendly attitude can go a long way. And if you’re ever tempted to get petty, maybe follow u/StabbyInc’s lead: keep it harmless, keep it humorous, and keep it to an extra napkin or two.
Have you ever enacted your own petty revenge at a restaurant or café? What’s your go-to move when you’re on the receiving end of bad service? Share your stories in the comments below—let’s see who can top the Great Napkin Heist of Australia!
Let’s hear it: What’s your pettiest act of restaurant revenge? Comment below, and don’t forget to share this post with your fellow napkin-hoarders!
Original Reddit Post: Petty revenge on service workers cost the business!