What does “Tongue in cheek” mean?
"Tongue in cheek" means saying something as a joke or not being serious.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He made a tongue in cheek comment about his cooking skills.
Example
Her tongue in cheek remark had everyone laughing.
Example
The article was written with a tongue in cheek tone
Is “Tongue in cheek” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Tongue in cheek” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Tongue in cheek” effectively in context?
You can use "Tongue in Cheek" when you want to say something as a joke or not be taken seriously. It's often used to add humor or sarcasm to a statement. For example, if someone asks about your cooking skills and you're not very good, you might say, 'Oh, I'm a master chef, "tongue in cheek", of course.'
- 1Humor
He made a tongue in cheek comment about his cooking skills.
- 2Socializing
Her tongue in cheek remark had everyone laughing.
- 3Writing
The article was written with a tongue in cheek tone.
Similar phrases to “Tongue in cheek”:
Tongue-in-cheek
Saying something as a joke or not being serious
Example
His article was full of tongue-in-cheek remarks.
Tongue-in-cheek humor
Humor that is meant to be taken lightly or not seriously
Example
The comedian's performance was filled with tongue-in-cheek humor.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Tongue in cheek” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Tongue in Cheek" is unknown.
Is “Tongue in cheek” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Tongue in Cheek" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to add humor or sarcasm to their statements.
What tone does “Tongue in cheek” have?
"Tongue in Cheek" conveys a tone of humor and sarcasm. It's often used to make lighthearted jokes or to playfully tease someone.
Can “Tongue in cheek” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Tongue in Cheek" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that adds humor or sarcasm to a statement. You can use it in casual conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional writing.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He made a "tongue in cheek" comment about the situation.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Oh, "tongue in cheek"!' to imply that you're joking.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- jokingly
- sarcastically
- in jest
- not seriously
- with a wink
Antonyms
- seriously
- genuinely
- honest
- straightforward
- without irony
