tongue-in-cheek
10
7.4
- idiom
- /ˈtʌŋɡ ɪn tʃik/
- Informal
- In 1999, I wrote a slightly tongue-in-cheek article called "As if Ulysses had never been written."
- a tongue-in-cheek comment
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Watch on YouTubeAnd I think he did it with tongue in cheek in a way.
- And I think he did it with tongue in cheek in a way.
Examples
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The comedian's latest routine was delivered tongue-in-cheek, poking fun at everyday life.
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Note: this is obviously a tongue-in-cheek poll, and we're not endorsing a candidate here.
Blog text (18) -
While some of it was tongue-in-cheek, some of it was actually some good career success advice.
Blog text (8) -
But it's, it's, it's obviously tongue in cheek and and to make a point.
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And I think he did it with tongue in cheek in a way.
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And I think the people who originally did that maybe were being tongue in cheek or just playing around with language.
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Now this might seem a little tongue in cheek and I saved it for last, but I think it's the most important thing.
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I assume you are being tongue-in-cheek and actually realize that the Bible says no such thing.
Blog text (14) -
The comments and tweets are obviously tongue-in-cheek, satirical, and very funny.
Blog text (5) -
Z-man: Agree, Ruru, but I am guessing that Thomas B. is being a bit tongue-in-cheek.
Blog text (14)
Synonyms
181
5.5
In a way that shows the opposite of what you mean or expect
34
3.7
Said to show something is funny and not serious
26
2.0
Said or done as a joke and not meant seriously
15
4.4
In a way that says the opposite to show you do not mean it
14
5.3
People say it as a joke and do not mean it seriously
10
6.1
In a calm, serious way that seems slightly funny
10
6.6
In a joking way not meant to be taken seriously
8
7.0
In a dry, slightly mocking way
5
3.3
In a funny way that makes people laugh
3
8.0
In a way that shows little respect and treats things lightly
2
8.1
In a joking way that is not meant to be taken seriously
2
8.4
In a mocking, bitter way that shows strong dislike
1
6.2
In a rude but playful way that shows little respect
1
3.6
To say or do something in a joking way without being serious
1
7.8
In a way that shows lack of respect for things people take seriously
1
6.7
Said or done as a joke and not meant to be serious
1
6.4
In a joking way that is not serious
1
7.7
In a playful, teasing way that shows you are joking
Antonyms
How Serious
15
4.4
181
5.5
8
7.0
- Informal
10
7.4
- Informal
10
6.6
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Tongue-in-cheek comes from a simple face gesture. A helpful way to remember it is to imagine someone pushing their tongue into their cheek to hide a real smile and show they are 'joking' or 'not serious'.