tongue-in-cheek

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tongue-in-cheek

A friend offers a tongue-in-cheek suggestion with a playful wink.

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.
tongue-in-cheek

A friend offers a tongue-in-cheek suggestion with a playful wink.

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

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