tongue-in-cheek

1 of 2

adjective

ˈtəŋ-in-ˈchēk 

: characterized by insincerity, irony, or whimsical exaggeration

tongue in cheek

2 of 2

adverb

: with insincerity, irony, or whimsical exaggeration

Examples of tongue-in-cheek in a Sentence

Adverb

The whole interview was done tongue in cheek.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Tailored trousers kept the outfit polished, while paisley socks beneath leather wedge pumps gave it a tongue-in-cheek finish. — Minty Mellon, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2026

But over the years, Bird of the Year has also become known for its fiercely competitive campaigns, tongue-in-cheek rivalries and occasional controversy. — Adam Pourahmadi, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026

Adverb

Yet most of the scenes are scripted and intended to be tongue in cheek, conveying the musicians’ irreverent sense of humor. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Sep. 2026

And so everything about the book was meant to be also a little tongue in cheek. — Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1899, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1856, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tongue-in-cheek

• electroweak
• angelique
• dominique
• fenugreek
• politique
• veronique
• antique
• batik
• bespeak
• boutique
• cacique
• comique

Kids Definition

tongue-in-cheek

1 of 2 adjective

: not meant to be taken seriously

tongue in cheek

2 of 2 adverb

: in a tongue-in-cheek manner