English Explanatory Dictionary

tongue-in-cheek

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. Not intended seriously; jocular or humorous.
adv
  1. With contempt.
  2. With irony.

Pronunciation

En-au-tongue-in-cheek.ogg LL-Q1860 (eng)-Naomi Persephone Amethyst (NaomiAmethyst)-tongue-in-cheek.wav

Word forms

tongue-in-cheek more tongue-in-cheek most tongue-in-cheek tongue in cheek

Etymology

This phrase alludes to the facial expression created by putting one's tongue in one's cheek. The term first appeared in print in 1828, but it isn't entirely clear that it was used with the modern, rather than a literal, sense. A later citation from Richard Barham is unambiguous.

Synonyms

witty amusing bright diverting droll entertaining humorous jocose jocular piquant quick quick on the draw quick-witted sharp tongue-in-cheek
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