Name : Zahra Fitra

NPM : 40721100016

Sarcasm on Series Young Sheldon Season 1 : Semantics Study

Introduction

Sarcasm is a ubiquitous phenomenon in human communication, often used to convey

irony, mocking, or ridicule. It is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been
extensively studied in various fields, including linguistics, psychology, and sociology.
This paper aims to investigate the use of sarcasm in the popular American sitcom
"Young Sheldon" Season 1, focusing on its semantic aspects. Specifically, this study
examines the types of sarcasm employed in the show, their purposes, and the meaning
behind it.

Sarcasm is a form of verbal irony that involves saying something with the opposite
intention of what the words literally mean. It is often used to express contempt,
disdain, or mockery, and can be categorized into different types, including
propositional, lexical, 'like'-prefixed, and illocutionary sarcasm (Camp, 2017).
Sarcasm can be employed to achieve various purposes, such as to express humor, to
criticize, or to manipulate others (Kreuz, 1991).

This study investigates the use of sarcasm in "Young Sheldon" Season 1, focusing on
its semantic aspects and the ways in which it contributes to the overall narrative and
character development. Specifically, this study examines the types of sarcasm
employed by Sheldon Cooper, the show's protagonist, and analyzes their purposes and
the meanings on the show's.

Literature Review

Semantics is the branch of linguistics that deals with meaning. It explores how words,
phrases, and sentences convey meaning, and how these meanings are interpreted by
speakers and listeners. Sarcasm, a form of verbal irony, presents a unique challenge
for semantic analysis because it involves a deliberate discrepancy between the literal
meaning of words and the speaker's intended meaning. Understanding sarcasm
requires not only an analysis of the literal content but also an understanding of
contextual cues, speaker intentions, and social dynamics.

Definition and Types of Sarcasm

Sarcasm is generally defined as a rhetorical device where the speaker says something
but means the opposite, often to mock or convey contempt. Camp (2017) categorizes
sarcasm into several types based on its semantic properties:

 Propositional Sarcasm: This type involves making a statement where the

literal meaning is in stark contrast to the intended meaning. For example,
saying "Great job!" when someone makes a glaring mistake.
 Lexical Sarcasm: This involves the sarcastic use of specific words or phrases.
For instance, calling someone a "genius" after they do something foolish.
 'Like'-Prefixed Sarcasm: This type uses 'like' to introduce an exaggerated or
obviously false statement, such as "Like I really care."
 Illocutionary Sarcasm: This form of sarcasm involves performing a speech act,
such as making a promise or giving a compliment, with an ironic twist,
thereby subverting the expected meaning.

Purposes of Sarcasm

Sarcasm serves multiple functions in communication, as highlighted by Kreuz (1991):

 Expressing Humor: Sarcasm often generates humor through the incongruity

between the literal and intended meanings. It can create a sense of shared
understanding between the speaker and the audience, enhancing social bonds.
 Indirect Criticism: Allows the speaker to convey disapproval or criticism
without direct confrontation. This indirectness can make sarcasm a less
aggressive form of criticism, though it can sometimes be perceived as more
cutting.
 Social Manipulation: Enables the speaker to subtly influence the perceptions
or behaviors of others. By using sarcasm, the speaker can assert dominance,
control the conversation, or challenge social norms.

Sarcasm in Media

Sarcasm in Television Sitcoms

Television sitcoms are rich sources of sarcasm, often using it to enhance comedic
effect, develop characters, and advance the narrative. Research into sarcasm in media
has shown that it serves several functions, including:

 Humor and Entertainment: Sarcasm creates humor through the incongruity

between literal and intended meanings. This can be particularly effective in
sitcoms, where quick-witted dialogue and unexpected twists are key elements
of comedy.
  Character Development: Sarcasm can reveal deeper aspects of a character's
personality, such as intelligence, wit, or social awkwardness. It can also
highlight relationships between characters, showing camaraderie, tension, or
hierarchy.
 Narrative Dynamics: Sarcasm can drive the plot forward by creating conflicts,
misunderstandings, or comedic situations that need to be resolved. It adds
layers to the narrative by introducing elements of irony and subtext.

Method

This research was a descriptive research, because the researcher collects the data
through classifying the types and analyzing the meaning from the types of sarcasm.
The aim of this research is to analyze the types of sarcasm that found in sarcasm in
"Young Sheldon" Season 1. TV series. The data of sarcasm in this research were taken
from transcript “Young Sheldon, Season 1” in Netflix. The researcher took several
samples of data in that TV series to be analysed.