tongue-in-cheek

Said with winking

Tongue-in-cheek describes something said or done with ironic or insincere intent, meant to be understood as humorous rather than literal.

A tongue-in-cheek remark appears serious on the surface but signals playfulness or gentle mockery underneath.

Her tongue-in-cheek suggestion that we solve the budget crisis by selling the conference room was met with nervous laughter.

The expression works as both adjective and adverb: He made the comment tongue-in-cheek.

humor

wry

Dryly mocking in tone

jocular · lighthearted · playful · mischievous · impish · teasing · roguish · arch · sly · blithe

irony

sardonic

Grimly mocking

  • dryFree from moisture
  • deadpanExpressionless, especially for humor
  • understatedDeliberately minimized in expression

subtle · knowing · sarcastic · satirical · subtext · insinuation · ambiguity · double entendre · understatement · self-aware

satire

parody

Satirical imitation

pastiche · mockumentary · send-up · burlesque · travesty · satirical · skewering · sendup · takeoff · mock

mockery

ridicule

Contemptuous mocking treatment

gibe · raillery · scoffing · sneering · tease · jest · jeer · flout · snark · dig

Categories
Opposites
sincerity/earnestness

tongue-in-cheeksincere

Genuinely felt, not feigned

earnest · genuine · serious · literal · heartfelt

tone/humor

tongue-in-cheekhumorless

Without wit or levity

humourless · unhumorous · somber · grave · solemn

reverence/respect

tongue-in-cheekreverent

Feeling profound respect

reverential · respectful · deferential · pious · earnest

Family

tongue, cheek, cheeky, cheeks, tongues, tongue-tied, forked-tongue, tongued, cheekbone

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G