An Analysis of Impoliteness Strategies in “Superwog Miniseries Episode 4: “The Jacket.” Youtube Video

Abstract

This study analyzes impoliteness strategies employed by the characters in Superwog Miniseries Episode 4: The Jacket, a popular Australian comedy web series. Using Culpeper's (1996, 2005) Impoliteness Theory as the theoretical framework, this research identifies and classifies utterances from the episode into five categories: Bald-on-Record Impoliteness, Positive Impoliteness, Negative Impoliteness, Sarcasm or Mock Politeness, and Withhold Politeness. A descriptive qualitative method was employed, with data collected through non-participatory observation of the episode's dialogues. The findings reveal that Bald-on-Record Impoliteness is the most dominant strategy, followed by Positive Impoliteness, reflecting the comedic and confrontational dynamics between the characters Theo, Johnny, Squeegee Guy, and other minor characters. Furthermore, this study examines how impoliteness strategies affect the emotional state of the main characters, demonstrating that such strategies generate frustration, humiliation, and escalating conflict. The results contribute to pragmatics research in digital media and comedy discourse analysis.