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Vinegar Valentines emerged as an amusing counterpoint to the more romantic forms of correspondence. While today’s cards express sweet sentiments, these Victorian versions embraced satire and harsh humor. Recipients of vinegar Valentines were often chosen not just for their relationships, but also for their perceived flaws or shortcomings.
These cards typically featured unflattering cartoons designed to mock the recipient's appearance, personality traits, or even their profession. They served as a medium for conveying disdain and were often accompanied by a nasty little poem that further underscored the sender's bemusement or contempt.