Um, yeah. I know.

For the purposes of this project, we’re using a pretty broad (and to some extent, arbitrary) definition of “passive-aggressive” — one that roughly correlates with how the term is popularly used. (Most people don’t go diving for the dsm IV when someone describes his or her roommate as “so passive-aggressive” or “so antisocial” or “so sadistic” or “so schizo,” for that matter.)

Some of the notes here are really more aggressive, and some of them are just plain passive, but they all share a common sense of frustration that’s been channeled into a written note rather than a face-to-face confrontation.

While it may be more accurate, “asshole-ish notes from roommates, neighbors, coworkers and strangers” just doesn’t roll off the tongue quite as easily, you know?

Danny snapped this understated little note at a senior center in Marysville, Missouri. It seems a bit futile, really. I know that no sign would stop my grandmother from putting in her two cents.

I realize this example (from outside the American Legion HQ in Park Slope, Brooklyn) is not so much “passive-aggressive” as it is “crazy,” but it tickles me too much not to post. The little species/feces couplet has been painted over and re-written at least twice, so obviously I’m not the only one who appreciated it.

You can’t tell from these photos, but this little storefront stands as one of the few bastions on Fifth Avenue that the armies of invading gentrifiers couldn’t take down with their industrial-size nozzles of mrs. meyer’s and turn into a precious little bakery selling organic dog cupcakes. While I was taking these photos a man in a lawn chair was either yelling at me to stop or trying to sell me a ratty old suitcase.

This lovely petri dish courtesy of Ben, who explains: “While living in a house in London with 17 people from all over the world, things become way too green. This had to be done every once in a while in order to remind others not to overpopulate our kitchen with new living organisms.”

related: Maybe someone can do this dishes?

It started with “no smelly foods,” says Kathleen, and escalated from there.

related: NO FISH in the microwave!

Mike gets the last word in this exchange.

Spotted on the office fridge by Sam, who also brings us this little gem — the most precise vending-machine operating instructions ever written.

related: Spit & Vinegar

Thanks to Rachel for bringing to light another key battleground for office passive-aggressives: the thermostat.

related: This is your friend the thermostat

The latest in a well-documented series.

related: Have a nice day

Spotted by Eric at Uncle Moe’s in Manhattan.

related: The penny is the most passive-aggressive coin