How to Tell if Someone Is Being Sarcastic
Listen for overly positive or negative language., Listen for intense verbs, adjectives and adverbs.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Listen for overly positive or negative language.
Many sarcastic remarks are completely over-the-top hyperbole, making them easy to identify.
Typically a positive statement will be used when a negative response is expected, and vice versa.
An example of highly positive language would be: "That's the most gorgeous hat I've ever seen!" when the speaker really means, "No, I do not like that hat." An example of highly negative language would be: "Well that's one way to really blow an exam!" as opposed to, "Congratulations on your top grade." -
Step 2: Listen for intense verbs
You can expect sarcastic remarks to contain words such as "love," "great," "best," "most," or "really." Also listen for unnatural pairings of adjectives with nouns, like "soft as a rock" or "sharp as a bowling ball." For example: "I just love the sweater grandma knit for me." Translation: "I hate the sweater grandma knit for me." -
Step 3: adjectives and adverbs.
Detailed Guide
Many sarcastic remarks are completely over-the-top hyperbole, making them easy to identify.
Typically a positive statement will be used when a negative response is expected, and vice versa.
An example of highly positive language would be: "That's the most gorgeous hat I've ever seen!" when the speaker really means, "No, I do not like that hat." An example of highly negative language would be: "Well that's one way to really blow an exam!" as opposed to, "Congratulations on your top grade."
You can expect sarcastic remarks to contain words such as "love," "great," "best," "most," or "really." Also listen for unnatural pairings of adjectives with nouns, like "soft as a rock" or "sharp as a bowling ball." For example: "I just love the sweater grandma knit for me." Translation: "I hate the sweater grandma knit for me."
About the Author
Denise Williams
Committed to making DIY projects accessible and understandable for everyone.
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