As brilliant and electric as The Big Bang Theory's Sheldon Cooper is, there are small things that everyone else picks up on but he can’t. Sarcasm is one of those things. Although Sheldon has a high IQ and an eidetic memory, he has difficulties with picking up on other people’s emotions - especially when sarcasm is involved.
However, as bad at sarcasm as Sheldon is, he has definitely had his sarcastic moments. In fact, later in the series Sheldon starts being sarcastic himself and understands when Penny is being fastidious too. Sheldon has come a long way in 12 seasons, and his understanding of sarcasm should be included in his character development.
Poking Fun At Leonard's Abilities With The Ladies
In the pilot when Sheldon and Leonard first meet Penny, Leonard quickly becomes enamored by her and imagines a relationship with her. Fans loved how taken Leonard was by Penny because it set up a large storyline in the series.
After meeting her, Leonard hints to Sheldon about a possible relationship with Penny, claiming that he had a chance because he was a male and she was a female. In a quick response, Sheldon says sarcastically, " Yeah, but not of the same species." Sarcastically pointing out Penny and Leonard's differences in this way proves Sheldon understood sarcasm better than he thought.
Burning Leonard's Relationship History
Some of the best quotes that no one talks about are the ones when Sheldon and Leonard are knowingly being sarcastic to each other. Their friendship can be so dry, at times, that it's hard not to laugh.
In one scene, Leonard tells the group that he's dated "plenty" of women - Leslie Winkle and Joyce Kim, for example. And just then, Sheldon sarcastically chimes "Notify the editors of the Oxford English Dictionary. The word plenty has been redefined to mean two."
Responding To Leonard's Failure Of Lifting Boxes
When Penny first moved into her apartment, she asked Leonard if he'd keep an eye out for a delivery of hers. What he didn't realize was how big it would be. Sure, it's a classic Big Bang Theory trope for a "nerdy" guy like Leonard to help someone as popular as Penny, but that was the M.O. of their relationship.
With Sheldon's help, Leonard pumped himself up to lift the box by claiming he was a descendant of Archimedes and he could do anything he wanted to do because of it. But as soon as Leonard got under the box, it flattened him. He was too weak. Sarcastically, Sheldon tries to help and says "Archimedes would be so proud."
Proving To Penny He Knew How Sarcasm Worked
In "The Bus Pants Utilization," Sheldon and Leonard were arguing over Sheldon's behavior on a project the group was working on. Because of it, Leonard kicked Sheldon out of the group. Sheldon was annoyed by Leonard's decision and went to Penny's to vent.
Penny told Sheldon the quickest way to get back on the team was to apologize to Leonard sarcastically. It would be their little secret without Leonard picking up on it. Funny enough, as Penny is asking Sheldon if he remembered learning about sarcasm, he sarcastically recalls "no." This not only answers Penny's question but proves Sheldon understood it.
Welcoming Penny After She Let Herself Into His Apartment
Fans loved the relationship between Penny and Sheldon because of how different the two were. There were some things that Penny did that Sheldon would never accept from someone else, and yet he allowed them from Penny because he low-key adored her.
In one scene, Penny lets herself into Sheldon's apartment without knocking or saying anything and sits on Sheldon's couch right next to him. Sheldon, who looks confused, sarcastically says "Who is it? Oh, hello, Penny, it's open. Come in." Hilariously, Penny looks at him, saying nothing, and Sheldon lets her know that he's being sarcastic.
Using Sarcasm To Get Through Date Night
Sheldon and Amy's relationship timeline has as many ups and downs as Leonard and Penny's, but they were on a good note in "The Herb Garden Germination." The two enjoyed each other's company while listening to an author describe his book.
All the while, Sheldon and Amy admit they're only there as a joke because they don't agree with the author's points of view. To continue with the joke, Sheldon made a sarcastic comment to the author about his book, which didn't go over well but the point was that he knew how to use sarcasm publicly.
Helping Penny Cope With Missing Leonard
Some of the funniest sarcasm scenes are between Sheldon and Penny because of Penny's raw facial expressions to Sheldon's quips. In "The Hofstadter Insufficiency," Leonard was out at sea, and Sheldon and Penny were stuck at home missing him. But when it seemed like Leonard was having too much of a fun time to miss them, they became annoyed.
"All this time I've been doing nothing but sit around and miss that guy, and you know what the worst part is?" Penny asked Sheldon. Instead of saying "What?", Sheldon sarcastically responded, "That you're having to process your emotional pain without vodka?". Penny didn't want to go along with Sheldon's sarcasm because he was partially right, but it was a good joke.
Watching Raiders Of The Lost Ark
One of Leonard's favorite parts of dating Penny was introducing her to new things, like Raiders of the Lost Ark. Penny didn't love the movie, but she didn't hate it either. She just enjoyed being in the company of Leonard, Sheldon, Howard, and Raj.
But, as always, Sheldon made his comments during the film, which promoted Leonard to remind Sheldon to "turn off" his commentary track. Looking at Leonard with sarcasm, Sheldon says "There's no switch. Just listen and learn." Sheldon really did come a long way since season 1 in the world of sarcasm.
Pegging Penny's Sarcasm Correctly
Every character has their flaw on The Big Bang Theory, and Sheldon's sarcasm isn't the worst thing in the world. Still, it wasn't necessarily a welcomed quirk of his either.
In "The Financial Permeability," Sheldon and Leonard greet Penny at the mailboxes, but Penny isn't thrilled to see them. She had a hard day at work and hated the Cheesecake Factory, sarcastically saying "I hope I'm a waitress at the Cheesecake Factory for my whole life!". Instead of believing Penny, Sheldon picked up on Penny's sarcasm and noted it.
When Leonard Believed Sheldon's Sarcasm
Before Sheldon and co. were gearing up for a trip to the North Pole, Leonard was surprised to be given a present from Penny. He instantly wondered if she had feelings for him and if he should even go on the trip. He therefore knocked on Sheldon's door as he was sleeping to talk about the gift.
In response, Sheldon says, "Leonard, you may be right. It appears that Penny secretly wants you in her life in a very intimate and carnal fashion." Excited by the response, Leonard believes him until Sheldon told him he was being sarcastic.