Spiky-shaped PCB pads?

[lpc32]

What's the point of these pads?

[Simon]

It looks to me like they have bent the pins of the connector over and made a pad to suit that.

[djQUAN]

What's the point of these pads?

Couldn't help but notice your pun. Not sure if it was intended. 

I think the spikes may have something to do with "solder thieves" for wave soldering.

[lpc32]

Simon, it's difficult to see in the photos, but the pins aren't bent.

I think it indeed may be solder thieves/robber pads:
http://www.ami.ac.uk/courses/topics/0170_wsp/#4
Though, why are some pins exempt in the second photo?

Is this a common practice? I don't think I've these before.

PS: Pun intended, but there's nothing more annoying than referencing it in line.

[amyk]

If they were for wave soldering they'd be pointing in the same direction.

My guess is ESD dissipation spark gaps.

[lpc32]

Not constraints due to connector pin positions, and diagonally works too?

[djQUAN]

Well, they are roughly pointing to the left. Some are tilted away but still slightly towards the left....

If they are PCB spark gaps, there should be another exposed area near it that is connected to ground. And you don't usually put spark gaps to ground pins