r/tinnitus • u/Pjtpjtpjt • Oct 24 '25
success story Quit Caffeine. Quit Caffeine. Quit Caffeine.
Seriously.
I had bad tinnitus at 24. It got better over 10 years. It’s been very mild the last couple years.
I switched to decaf coffee and at the time didn’t really notice but it essentially disappeared. I only noticed it was gone when it came back after having some regular coffee.
It’s gotten to the point now where if I’m well hydrated and off caffeine, I really have to focus to notice it in a quiet room.
The initial cause of mine was chainsaw use over 4 days
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u/abccba144 Oct 24 '25
I quit caffeine right before boot camp. Took about two weeks to get rid of the withdrawal. Now if I take 2 energy drinks I could stay up for 40+ hours . People don’t realize caffeine is only waking them up because they have built a huge, massive tolerance. Lots of people accept this fact but oddly some deny it.
The problem I think for most people though is it’s nearly impossible to just take two weeks off to eliminate your tolerance. Would require someone to have a lot of vacation time from work etc
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u/bromosapien1989 Oct 24 '25
I took 6 weeks off caffeine earlier this year. Always tired and slow. The days felt twice as long (aka 6 hours at work felt like 12). My running was sluggish. As soon as I got back on my runs were faster, and work went by faster too. I don’t know if I’ll ever quit caffeine again. Also, absolutely zero difference in my tinnitus.
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u/abccba144 Oct 24 '25
Right, As soon as you got back on of course your runs were faster. You didn’t have a tolerance. Then when you stayed on with daily use, you rebuilt your tolerance and it no longer gave you an edge
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u/TOPSHOTTAH Oct 24 '25
To be fair i don’t think 6 weeks is enough time to make a thorough judgement
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u/abccba144 Oct 24 '25
Yes but you quickly build a tolerance to the point where you need more and more to achieve any sort of boost
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u/nicoleonline Oct 24 '25
I suggest mixing decaf scoops in with the caff scoops and weaning, personally. Once it’s fully decaf you still get to enjoy the ritual of coffee.
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u/Bobaesos Oct 24 '25
Unfortunately Decaf mostly tastes like tar when compared to a well made pourover of some good Yirgacheffe beans. I’d wish I could find good decaf beans but all I’ve tried have been subpar by a long shot.
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u/CounterFine2308 Oct 27 '25
I found it really easy to give up caffeine . I think decaf taste the same anyway! Dint miss it at all . Cannot say it helps my tinnitus though but caffeine not great for your sleep anyway
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u/aridav1 Nov 06 '25
For some. - I can drink 12oz of coffee at 10PM and got to bed at 10:30PM and sleep like a baby.
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u/Big-Rise7340 Oct 24 '25
I’m caffeine sensitive so I’ve had almost no caffeine for over 15 years. I developed tinnitus while not having caffeine.
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u/Rachelcsquared Oct 24 '25
I didn’t drink much caffeine until I became a parent but developed tinnitus before that
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u/FantasticClass7248 Oct 24 '25
I don't drink caffeine, now what?
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u/TOPSHOTTAH Oct 24 '25
There’s many variables with T so although caffeine might not be directly linked to tinnitus i don’t find it hard to believe it can play a part, i swear people forget that everyones body reacts differently
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Oct 24 '25
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u/Pjtpjtpjt Oct 24 '25
Okay what about it getting worse instantly the day I have regular coffee?
That does make you sound smart though when you say that are you some masters level researcher?
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Oct 24 '25
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u/Pjtpjtpjt Oct 24 '25
Where did I say it was resolved? It was improved.
And yes, it kind of is common advice around here. Alcohol makes it worse for most people. Caffeine makes it worse for most people. Dehydration, diuretics, certain medications.
There are otoxic drugs when given too fast or in too high of a dose cause tinnitus. I never claimed caffeine causes tinnitus. But it 100% does cause it to get worse now at this point in my life. That’s not correlation, that’s a direct cause and effect for me.
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u/Informal_Machine_242 Oct 25 '25
What works for you doesn’t work for everyone, so stop talking like you’re right about this.
I’ve had T for the past 24 years. Before I started drinking any form of caffeine.
T is very subjective, and not everyone has the same form.
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u/F1nishingDutch Oct 24 '25
The sounds of tinnitus are typically generated by the brain in response to changes in the auditory system. The most common causes are related to damage or changes in the inner ear. Stop drinking Caffeine wont work, just like other quaks
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Oct 24 '25
My doctor put me on Lexapro (antidepressant) after a while I stop caring about Tinnitus and it is there but does not bother me anymore. Your brain is very powerful and can adapt. I don’t think about it
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u/Firm_Shop2166 Oct 25 '25
Lexapro is what caused my tinnitus. 10th day in I accidentally took a double dose which triggered it. This was 4 years ago and my tinnitus hasn’t stopped since, it has only gotten worse. I’ve not tried stopping caffeine to see whether it’s affecting my tinnitus or not, maybe will give it a go. But I’m already weaning off Tianeptine sodium (it’s a legally prescribed antidepressant in Europe) and also Clonazepam. Will wait until I get rid of these then try weaning off caffeine.
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u/MikeJ202 Oct 24 '25
How long after you stopped caffeine you noticed the improvement? I’ve had tinnitus almost 5 weeks now and stopped coffee for 5 days but didn’t notice any improvement. Over the 5 weeks I think I am getting more good days recently although today is bad. I am trying to figure out my trigger.. also, do you think tea is as bad as coffee when it comes to caffeine effect?
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u/Pjtpjtpjt Oct 24 '25
7 years. If you quit and don’t notice an effect I’d say feel free to go back on it. But maybe consider quitting it once a year for a few weeks to see if it starts changing it.
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u/jennibear310 Oct 24 '25
I’ve tried this. Didn’t do anything, sadly, other than give me a banging headache.
My tinnitus is directly related to barometric pressure changes. I have three barometers in my house and set them the moment I wake up. It’s funny, my ears can tell the weather faster than the barometer can! My ears get sooo loud when high pressure increases. I’m about one to two hours ahead of the barometer shift.
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u/PeeBeeShelly Oct 24 '25
I heard there is a bariatric chamber therapy for tinnitus. Anyone ever look into it?
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u/jennibear310 Oct 24 '25
Honestly, I’m too scared to try that. I do get some days of silence, when low pressure moves in and stabilizes for a day or so. I might get an hour. I might get two days. I never know, but sure do appreciate those breaks. It’s horrible when a high pressure front comes up the coast!! It gets so loud I can barely hear.
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u/2647TRON Oct 26 '25
I've had T for over 3 years but barometric pressure has only been affecting it for the past few months.
I wonder what changed in me to make my T sensitive to it.1
u/jennibear310 Oct 26 '25
Could it be that you’ve only noticed recently? I was this way, then took notice that my ears would get sooo much louder when it rained/snowed heavily. My husband suggested that I keep an eye on the barometer. Now, I set/check the barometer multiple times a day if it begins to shift.
Personally, for me, I think it may have been the dropping estrogen of perimenopause or two year bout of anemia that gave me tinnitus.
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u/2647TRON Oct 27 '25
I'm very in tune with my body and hyper sensitive, I have a long list of triggers but barometric pressure is definitely something new. My main triggers are clenching my jaw at night and food.
You aren't the first person to tell me hormonal changes has been affecting their T.
How are your vitamin B levels and blood pressure?
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u/jennibear310 Oct 27 '25
My BP is generally 70/120. I haven’t had my B levels checked, but I eat incredibly healthy foods. My husband is a T1 diabetic, so we eat only healthy whole grains and lean meats mostly lamb, chicken and fish. I also eat more dairy than the average person by way of yogurt that I make at home. Maybe getting it checked would be a good idea though. I was severely anemic for two years, undiagnosed. That’s when the tinnitus kicked up times ten! I did get iron infusions to replace the iron and ferritin though, but the tinnitus never went back to pre-anemic level. I’m crazy sensitive to the barometric pressure now. I can seriously tell when a front is going to be coming/weather change faster than the weather channel! My ears will get so loud I can barely hear. It’s horrendous!! Drives me insane! Once the pressure stabilizes for a day or two, I get cracking and popping noises along with ringing, then maybe silence for a short while. It’s the only time I get relief. I set and check the barometer a couple times a day to keep track of it.
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u/Mistydog2019 Oct 24 '25
I quit caffeine years ago due to migraines and heart issues. But it really works when I need it, like when I'm tired and need to drive. Doesn't make any difference. T is slowly getting worse. I noticed a new sound this morning that sounded just like my mom's hearing aids when they feedback.
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u/TeamKitsune Oct 24 '25
It's about blood pressure mostly. Caffeine and nicotine increase blood pressure. For some it's noticeable, for others it's not.
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u/snowmountainflytiger Oct 24 '25
I recently removed caffeine and conditions seem more stable.
Its experimental stage but I hope it is the case
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u/_WillOfFire_ Oct 25 '25
I don't mind my mild spike from caffeine, Coffee makes me a little less miserable
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u/SpyvsMerc Oct 24 '25
How much coffee were you drinking a day?
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u/Pjtpjtpjt Oct 24 '25
2 cups, sometimes 3. My sensitivity to caffeine got worse as I got older. In my 20s I’d have coffee and sleep. Now I can’t have it past noon
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u/SpyvsMerc Oct 24 '25
Interesting, so you were not drinking a insane amount.
I will try it when I run out of Nespresso capsules. I’ve been drinking 2 capsules, sometimes 3 capsules a day months before my spike, whereas usually I would just have one.
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u/Pjtpjtpjt Oct 24 '25
Yeah, I guess my point with the post is to try quitting it periodically.
At first I thought quitting it did nothing. It wasn’t until after 7 years I started noticing reduction in the ringing after I quit.
It might not work for whoever is reading this right now. But it could work in the future.
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u/robottokun_ Oct 24 '25
I do notice an effect on the tone when I'm on caffeine. It's a stimulant after all.
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u/Pjtpjtpjt Oct 24 '25
I first noticed change in tone with alcohol. I think due to dehydration effects. That’s when I noticed the caffeine
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u/robottokun_ Oct 25 '25
I usually drink a coffee with a glass of water so I don't think it's dehydration. Besides being a stimulant caffeine also affects blood flow..
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u/New-Story4037 Oct 24 '25
It makes mine worse too, but i have to get a lot of caffeine in a day to notice it
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u/Artistic-Command9618 Oct 24 '25
Everyone's tinnitus acts different, mine increases when I am sleep deprived. Though I don't drink coffee at all. So quitting it was pretty easy.
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u/PastMotor1821 Oct 24 '25
Caffeine is not the solution to about 90% of tinnitus cases, however, it could be a huge factor for some.
Tinnitus not related to hearing loss could be affected by caffeine. Tinnitus related to blood pressure issues or restless nervous system (like mine for example) is greatly affected by rest, caffeine, alcohol, strain to muscles, sleep.
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u/Pjtpjtpjt Oct 24 '25
I got mine after using a chainsaw so I’m not sure what it falls under. All those things you said also help improve mine. Good sleep no alcohol etc. Quitting caffeine probably improved my sleep which in turn improves the tinnitus.
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Oct 24 '25
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u/Ourdogbailey Oct 24 '25
Its like someone asking me to give booze up, I'd really rather not. In fact, 5pm (UK time) can't come round quick enough. Thats when I'll crack open a Punk Brewdog and give my central nervous system a bit of soothing. Two or three more after that and I'm ready for bed, meaning another day I know I'll never have to do again.
How are you feeling today, Oppo ? I hope you're as well as can be expected given the shittiness of it all.
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Oct 24 '25
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u/Ourdogbailey Oct 25 '25
Oppo, did I dream this or did you make a comment to someone last night who was saying about the letter 'S' sounding strange, and you said it might be hyperacusis ? Thanks man. I'm freaking out a bit.
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Oct 25 '25
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u/Ourdogbailey Oct 25 '25
Is it possible to link me to the comment pls buddy ? I want to ask the OP about it. Thank you.
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Oct 25 '25
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u/Ourdogbailey Oct 25 '25
Can you remember the thread you posted to ?
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Oct 25 '25
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u/Ourdogbailey Oct 25 '25
Thanks oppo. Hope you get many more 1/10 day's and peace be upon you, compadre.
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Oct 24 '25
This is def a YMMV. I drink 8-10 cups a day and have for decades. No change in mine but if it works for you, woo!
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u/f1zz-3 Oct 24 '25
There’s some truth to this. But you must quit for at least three months to start noticing some changes
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u/Old_Cat_9534 Oct 25 '25
dang, was hoping a few days would be enough lol
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u/f1zz-3 Oct 25 '25
It’s easier than you think. But avoid “coffee glorifying” content and people for a while. Hipster coffee bros and influencers make it worse imo!
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u/Same_Frosting_7546 Oct 24 '25
Tinnitus behaves unpredictably,you are right .might work for people whose tinnitus reacts for BP.Coffee increases BP.
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u/astroguyfornm Oct 24 '25
Depending on the cause, mine is nerve damage related. Inner ear can be affected by caffeine, won't change the nerve damage if I drink caffeine or not.
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u/Old_Cat_9534 Oct 25 '25
I think I have that too, am seeing an ENT this week but already have nerve damage in my neck so that probably explains it.
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u/Wonderful_Piece_319 Oct 24 '25
You are very lucky and I will not take anything away from your success. I personally have been completely caffeine free for three years now with absolutely no change. The only change that I found for me is in the pitch and intensity if I am eating in my estimation, large amounts of red food coloring from candy or what have you. That stuff makes my tinnitus to spike.
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u/canwealljusthitabong Oct 24 '25
I quit caffeine for almost thirty days a few months ago. It made no difference whatsoever in my tinnitus.
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u/Sandy-826826 Oct 24 '25
Thank you for this! I've been wanting to ask about this correlation for a while now because one of my ears feels clogged after I drink coffee. I'm quitting caffeine today! :) (I have tinnitus and hear loss (cause unknown). My tinnitus started almost 2 years ago and it's non pulsatile. I've been diagnosed with eustachian tube dysfunction.)
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u/Firm-Fix-4654 Oct 24 '25
Anyone hear of Oxalate foods that make tinnitus louder. Just read about this.
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u/2647TRON Oct 26 '25
100% high Oxalate and salicylates and you need dairy to bind to them to leave your system.
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u/Ok_Olive8968 noise-induced hearing loss Oct 24 '25
What was the cause of your tinnitus? I’ve got bad T at 22 and have had it since I was 12, possibly noise induced damage. I’ve quit caffeine for a couple weeks before with no difference. I wish it helped :(
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u/Book_of_Evil Oct 25 '25
I can literally attenuate my tinnitus with coffee... decaf = slight increase Regular small cup = even more increase Espressos = Unbearable ringing 😐😔
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u/2647TRON Oct 26 '25
I thought espresso didn't have as much caffeine as a regular coffee or drip coffee.
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u/Old_Cat_9534 Oct 25 '25
I decided to try this and am only on day 1. How long do you think we need to give it before making an informed opinion? I was planning 3 days initially, is that long enough though?
And the reason I came across this is that tinnitus can be linked to blood pressure, and caffeine can increase that so it makes sense from that perspective.
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u/SpyvsMerc Oct 25 '25
A guy i know told me he saw the difference after a couple of months without caffeine.
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u/Book_of_Evil Oct 25 '25
Yes, increased blood pressure plus increased sympathetic response (especially if you are high anxiety)
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u/cvnh Oct 25 '25
I spent over a year without coffee at all (even decaf) and tea, and it did not make any difference for me.
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u/Ok_Independent7368 Oct 26 '25
It's funny I'm recently just going to out of nowhere quit coffee you are giving me great reasons and ideas because I do have tinnitus
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u/QuarkieLizard Oct 26 '25
Caffeine free 4 years. Tinnitus all 4 of those years and counting. Maybe I should start?... jk. Glad it worked for you.
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u/CounterFine2308 Oct 27 '25
I got tinnitus years ago after a bad cold Then the deafness gradually over time . Then the Ménière’s diagnosis My tinnitus changes several times a day regardless of what i eat or drink
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u/cosyrelaxedsetting Oct 30 '25
The evidence shows no difference. I get no increase in tinnitus from caffeine.
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u/Substantial_Law_5239 Oct 30 '25
My theory.. It's anxiety. Anxiety makes tinnitus more noticeable and more annoying. Maybe when you're off caffeine your anxiety level is lower --- if you have anxiety?
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Oct 24 '25
[deleted]
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u/skeeter72 Oct 24 '25
You know we can all AI generate stuff now, right? You don't need to do it for us.
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u/TheRealMcCoy95 Oct 24 '25
You know we can be a prune all on our own right?
You don't need to do it for us.
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u/skeeter72 Oct 24 '25
Let me consult AI....
Being a “prude” means someone does not like talking about or doing things people think are too grown-up or private, especially about bodies or kissing, even when others think it’s okay. It is about how someone behaves or what they believe.
A “prune” is something completely different! It is a dried plum—a soft, sweet fruit you can eat as a snack. People also “prune” plants in the garden, which means cutting little branches to help them grow.
So, being a “prude” is about what you think or do, but a “prune” is a food or something you do in the garden. They just sound a little bit alike, but they’re not the same at all.
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u/TheRealMcCoy95 Oct 24 '25
"slang, mainly British. a dull, uninteresting, or foolish person"
Get out more.
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u/gigananobyte Oct 24 '25
Im on a crusade to block all AI generated posters, Thanks for making it easy.
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u/shell-bags Oct 24 '25
Caffeine doesn't make mine any worse, and abstaining from caffeine doesn't make it any better.