Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Characterized by irony or humorous insincerity; said or done as a joke, not to be taken seriously. A "tongue-in-cheek" remark or attitude is one that is cleverly amusing and ironic, where the speaker does not intend the literal meaning to be believed.

2. Adverb:

   • In an ironic, facetious, or insincere manner. When something is said or done "tongue-in-cheek," it is meant humorously and not with serious intent.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • His entire speech was a tongue-in-cheek critique of modern politics.
  • She gave a tongue-in-cheek apology, accompanied by a wink.
• Adverb:
  • He suggested, tongue-in-cheek, that we solve the problem by ignoring it.
  • "Of course I'm an expert," she said tongue-in-cheek.

Advanced Usage

• As a stylistic device: "Tongue-in-cheek" is often used in satire, parody, and dry humor to critique or comment on a subject without direct confrontation.
  • The article was written in a tongue-in-cheek style, mocking the extravagance of the fashion industry.
• Implied understanding: The phrase relies on a shared understanding between the speaker and the audience that the statement is not genuine.
  • His tongue-in-cheek praise for the terrible movie made everyone laugh.

Variants and Related Words

• Facetious (adj): treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor; flippant.
  • He was just being facetious when he called it a masterpiece.
• Ironic (adj): using words to express something other than, and especially the opposite of, the literal meaning.
• Bantering (adj., adv.): characterized by good-humored teasing.
  • Their bantering relationship was evident to all.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Facetious, ironic, sardonic, jocular, playful.
• Adverb: Facetiously, ironically, jokingly, playfully, insincerely.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• With one's tongue in one's cheek: This is the literal phrase from which the adjective/adverb is derived, meaning to speak insincerely or ironically.
  • He said it with his tongue in his cheek, so don't be offended.
• Not to be taken seriously: A phrase describing the intent behind a tongue-in-cheek comment.
  • His review was hilarious and clearly not to be taken seriously.

Adjective

1. cleverly amusing in tone
   • a bantering tone
   • facetious remarks
   • tongue-in-cheek advice

Adverb

1. not seriously
   • I meant it facetiously
2. in a bantering fashion
   • he spoke to her banteringly