Social Code Cards Social Code Cards
Your Guide to Understanding Hidden Meanings
Communication Kit
Sarcasm
The Meaning:
When someone says the opposite of what they really mean, often to be funny or show they are annoyed.
Social Clues:
• Rolling eyes
• Stretching out words
• A "flat" or "exaggerated" tone
Example:
"Oh great, another flat tire. Just what I wanted today!"
Idiom
The Meaning:
A common phrase where the words together have a special meaning that is different from the literal words.
Tip:
Don't picture the words in your head. Think about the feeling or the situation.
Example:
"That test was a piece of cake." (It was very easy.)
Hyperbole
The Meaning:
An extreme exaggeration used to make a point or show strong feelings. It isn't true!
Social Clues:
• Loud volume
• Wide eyes or big gestures
• Words like "forever" or "tons"
Example:
"I'm so hungry I could eat a horse!"
Non-Literal
The Meaning:
When words are used to mean something other than their exact definition. It's the "hidden" meaning.
How to Spot it:
If the sentence sounds impossible or silly if it were real, it is likely non-literal.
Example:
"Time flies when you're having fun." (Time doesn't have wings!)
Literal
The Meaning:
Exactly what the words say. No hidden meaning, no jokes, no exaggerations.
Check:
The words match the facts of the world perfectly.
Example:
"The sun is very hot today." (It is actually hot.)
Common Idiom
Under the Weather
This does not mean you are standing under a rain cloud!
Hidden Meaning:
Feeling sick or unwell.
Usage:
"I won't be at school today, I'm feeling a bit under the weather."
Social Codebreakers Resource Pack Figurative Language Unit
Idiom Matchup Worksheet Idiom Matchup
Connecting Common Phrases to Their Meanings
Name:
Date:
Instructions
Idioms are phrases that don't mean exactly what they say. Read the common idiom on the left and match it to its hidden meaning on the right by writing the correct letter in the box.
Common Idiom
Piece of cake
Break a leg
Hit the hay
Feeling blue
Under the weather
Spill the beans
Real Meaning
A. To tell a secret that was supposed to be hidden.
B. To go to sleep because you are very tired.
C. Good luck! (Usually said before a performance).
D. Feeling sick, tired, or just not very well.
E. Something that is very easy to do or complete.
F. Feeling sad, lonely, or unhappy.
Practice Point
Choose one idiom from the list above and use it in a full sentence about your day:
Sarcasm Spotlight Quiz Sarcasm Spotlight
Scenario-Based Challenge
Score
/ 8
Codebreaker:
Date:
In each scenario below, someone is using figurative language. Use your "Social Code Cards" to decide if they are being literal or using sarcasm/hyperbole.
1
The Heavy Backpack
Alex picks up Sam's backpack. It is stuffed with six heavy textbooks. Alex grunts, rolls his eyes, and says: "Wow, this bag weighs about ten thousand pounds!"
Type of Language:
Literal
Hyperbole
What was the social clue?
2
The Rain Storm
It starts pouring rain just as Maria is walking to the bus. She is getting soaked. She sighs and says in a flat voice: "Oh, wonderful. This is exactly how I wanted my hair to look."
Type of Language:
Literal
Sarcasm
Why do you think that?
Sarcasm Spotlight Quiz (Page 2) Name: ______________________
3
The Long Lunch Line
The cafeteria line is out the door. Leo looks at his watch and tells his friend: "We've been here for five hours. We're going to be here until graduation!"
Hidden Meaning:
He is bored/annoyed.
He is happy to wait.
Is this literal or hyperbole?
4
The Loud Class
Everyone is talking. A student drops a heavy water bottle. It makes a loud CLANG. The teacher looks up and says: "Thank you for being so quiet."
The Teacher's tone:
Thankful
Sarcastic
What was the hidden meaning?
End of Social Codebreakers Quiz
