Humour, Sarcasm & Metaphor
Understanding humour, sarcasm and metaphors.
Sarcasm and irony
What is said is the opposite of what is meant. Tone and context show the real meaning.
Oh great, another Monday!the speaker is not happy
Lovely weather, isn't it? (in heavy rain)meaning the opposite
British understatement
Saying less than you really mean.
It's not bad at all.= very good
I'm not entirely convinced.= I disagree
Metaphors
Figurative meanings we use every day.
Time is money.
She has a heart of gold.she's very kind
He's a night owl.he stays up late
Tip: “That's interesting…” said in a flat tone often means the speaker doesn't agree.
Sample quiz questions
- If someone says “What lovely weather!” in the rain, it's sarcasm.
- “He's a night owl” means:
- A British person says “It's not bad at all” about your work. It probably means:
- She's so kind — she has a heart of ___.
Take the interactive quiz for this lesson (6 questions)
You see the right answers and explanations instantly. Your progress is saved, and a level test waits at the end.