tongue-in-cheek
Say it: TUNG-in-CHEEK /ˌtʌŋɪnˈtʃiːk/ · adjective
What “tongue-in-cheek” means
Joking while pretending to be serious.
More precisely: Meant ironically or as a joke, despite appearing serious.
Example: “His tongue-in-cheek review gave the motorway service station five stars for 'ambience'.”
When to use it
Use it when a straight-faced remark, description or performance is meant playfully rather than to be taken literally.
Similar words
ironic, facetious, wry
Quick check
You solemnly describe your wonky garden shed as a royal palace, expecting friends to recognise the joke. Your description is…
tongue-in-cheek or earnest?
Show the answer
tongue-in-cheek
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