Definition
lighthearted and not serious speech in a sarcastic manner
Examples
1) His compliment about my cooking skills was clearly tongue in cheek.
2) Her claim of being a 'professional procrastinator' was said with a
tongue-in-cheek smile.
Etymology
It originates from the physical act of pressing one's tongue against the
inside of the cheek.
Synonyms
ironic wit, dry humor
- englishdaily626.com [edited]
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For a long time, I couldn' master this simple phrase and every time I saw it I
had to look it up. Maybe it was because where I came from, sarcasm often needed
no expounding and the context would've made it clear. Or maybe it's personal as
I grew dark and cynical from studying too much LuXun (tongue-in-cheek) at an
impressionable age. Irony has been abundant and natural to me.
I think it should've helped if they had added "(just kidding)" or "(sarcastic)"
after "tounge in cheek." Of course, that wouldn't be necessary for Westerners.
