Tuturan Sarkasme Warganet Dalam Kolom Komentar Instagram @Smindrawati : Kajian Pragmatik

Abstract

This study examines the use of sarcastic language by netizens in the comment section of the Instagram account @smindrawati, owned by the Indonesian Minister of Finance. The research aims to identify the types of sarcastic utterances along with their implicatures, the functions of sarcasm, and the factors influencing its use in digital communication. Employing a descriptive qualitative method with a pragmatic approach, the data consist of sarcastic utterances collected from comments on Instagram posts related to public policy, particularly the issue of the Value Added Tax (VAT) increase. Data were gathered through documentation techniques and analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s interactive model. The findings reveal four types of sarcasm propositional, lexical, like-prefixed, and illocutionary serving expressive, evaluative, humorous, aggressive, and social criticism functions, with social criticism being the most dominant. The use of sarcasm is influenced by emotional outbursts, feelings of disappointment, and spontaneity. Overall, sarcasm in the comment section of @smindrawati reflects complex pragmatic communication and functions as a medium for expressing public criticism toward government policies in the digital public sphere.