The Tuna in the Curtain Rod: A Petty Revenge That Stinks (Literally)
If you’ve ever been the target of casual cruelty, you’ve probably dreamed of the perfect comeback — the kind that delivers justice in the most unexpected way. But what if your revenge didn’t just make a statement… what if it literally stank? Enter the legend of “the tuna in the curtain rod,” a tale from Reddit’s r/PettyRevenge that proves sometimes the pettiest acts are also the most satisfying.
Let’s set the scene: a trade school, an obnoxious classmate with a penchant for homophobic slurs, and a can of tuna that would soon become an unsung hero in the fight for petty justice. This is not your average revenge story — this is an odyssey in odor, a saga in stink.
When Words Stink, Get Creative
Our protagonist, Reddit user u/just_amanda_, endured a classmate’s casual, repeated use of a homophobic slur. Rather than fire back or escalate, Amanda waited, biding her time like a true connoisseur of subtle vengeance. When the opportunity presented itself — a house party at the offender’s home — Amanda saw her chance.
Now, some people might have opted for the classic “saran wrap on the toilet seat” or “salt in the sugar bowl.” But Amanda? She aimed higher. She found some canned tuna, and—channeling the spirit of every mischievous trickster before her—she slipped into some empty rooms, dismantled the curtain rods, and tucked the tuna inside. Curtain rods: the last place anyone would ever look for the source of a mysterious, persistent funk.
Genius? Absolutely. Diabolical? Without a doubt. Petty? Oh, this is the gold standard.
The Long Game of Odorous Revenge
Here’s the beauty: unlike most pranks, this one didn’t deliver instant gratification. No, the true artistry here is in the slow burn (or should we say, slow rot). Amanda recounts weeks of overhearing the target complain about an untraceable, bizarre smell that she and her boyfriend simply couldn’t pinpoint. Imagine living with that confusion — checking the fridge, scrubbing the trash can, blaming the plumbing, lighting every candle in the house. All the while, the real culprit lurked above, marinating inside a curtain rod.
It’s the kind of revenge that keeps on giving — a perfect loop of bewilderment and low-level suffering. The original offense (casual bigotry) was subtle and persistent; the response mirrored that energy exactly. There’s a certain poetic justice in that.
The Unsung Hero: Nick
Every good revenge story needs a sidekick, and Amanda’s tale is no exception. As she was executing her master plan, someone walked in — a potential snitch, a possible spoiler. But instead, Nick just smiled, told her to carry on, and left. The silent ally. The guardian of secrets. Nick, wherever you are, you’re a real one.
Why Do We Love Petty Revenge?
What is it about these stories that delights us so? Maybe it’s the David vs. Goliath energy — the satisfaction of seeing a quiet, creative retaliation against someone who thought they could get away with being cruel. Maybe it’s the artistry: the best petty revenge is clever, nonviolent, and, in this case, almost undetectable.
But most of all, stories like Amanda’s remind us that standing up for yourself doesn’t always have to be loud. Sometimes, the best responses are inventive, unexpected, and just a little bit smelly.
Smelling the Roses (and the Tuna): Lessons Learned
So, what can we take away from the saga of the tuna in the curtain rod?
- Don’t underestimate the power of subtlety. You don’t have to shout to be heard — sometimes, a quiet act can echo for weeks (or longer).
- Petty revenge can be strangely satisfying. As long as it’s harmless and creative, a little bit of mischief might just be the catharsis you need.
- Never underestimate your curtain rods. Seriously. Who knows what could be hiding up there?
Have you ever pulled off (or suffered) a revenge this petty? Or maybe you’ve got a better hiding place for canned fish? Share your stories in the comments — and don’t forget to give a silent nod to Nick, patron saint of accomplices everywhere.
Smell ya later!
Original Reddit Post: Hid tuna fish in curtain rod